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-Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896, by Various

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-Title: Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896

-

-Author: Various

-

-Release Date: April 23, 2019 [EBook #59335]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Annie R. McGuire

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: HARPER'S ROUND TABLE]

-

-Copyright, 1896, by HARPER & BROTHERS. All Rights Reserved.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-PUBLISHED WEEKLY. NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1896. FIVE CENTS A

-COPY.

-

-VOL. XVII.--NO. 881. TWO DOLLARS A YEAR.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration]

-

-A VIRGINIA CAVALIER.

-

-BY MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL.

-

-CHAPTER XIV.

-

-

-The next few weeks worked a great and serious change in George. It was

-the first time he had seen death since he was ten years old, when his

-father died. That had made a great impression on him at the time, but

-the feelings of a child of ten and a youth of sixteen are very

-different. He had loved little Mildred dearly, and the child's death was

-a deep sorrow to him. The grief of his brother and sister was piteous.

-As the case often is, the father was the more overwhelmed, and the poor

-mother had to stifle her own grief to help her husband. George could not

-but love and admire his sister the more when he saw her calm fortitude,

-and how, inspired by love for her husband, she bore bravely the loss of

-her only child. Both Madam Washington and Betty had come to Mount Vernon

-the day of little Mildred's death. Madam Washington was obliged to

-return after a few days to her younger children, but George and Betty

-remained.

-

-"For George is the heir now," said Laurence, with a sad smile, "and he

-must learn to manage what will one day be his own."

-

-"Oh, brother," burst out George, with strange violence, "do you believe

-I wanted this place at the price of your child's life? I would give it

-all, twenty times over, to have her back!"

-

-"If I had thought you coveted it, I should never have made you my heir,"

-was Laurence's reply to this.

-

-Never was there a kinder or more helpful soul than Betty, now a tall

-and beautiful girl of fourteen. Mrs. Washington's health was much

-shattered by this last and greatest sorrow, and Laurence, who had always

-been of a delicate constitution, became every day more feeble. George

-attended him assiduously, rarely leaving him. He persuaded his brother

-to ride out and take some interest in the place. He read to Laurence of

-evenings in the library, and tried to interest him with accounts of the

-new regions in which the younger brother had spent so many months.

-Nothing could ever make Laurence Washington a happy man again.

-

-Mrs. Washington's sorrow, though as great, was better controlled. She

-always managed to wear a cheerful look before her husband, and although

-she was not able to accompany him in his out-door life, she was with him

-every moment he spent in-doors. Betty was to her as great a comfort as

-George was to Laurence Washington. Betty had so tender a heart and so

-excellent an understanding that she was as helpful as a woman twice her

-age, and these two young creatures were mainstays and comforts at an age

-when most young creatures rely wholly on other people.

-

-All day they were engaged, each in gentle and untiring efforts to make

-life a little brighter to their brother and sister. But after the older

-persons had retired, every night, George and Betty would sit up over the

-fire in the library and talk for hours. Their conversations were not

-always sad--it is not natural for the young to dwell in sadness--but

-they were generally serious. One night Betty said:

-

-"Don't you think, George, we ought to write to our mother and ask her to

-let us stay over Christmas with brother Laurence and sister Anne? You

-remember how gay it was last Christmas, and how glad we were to be here?

-Now I think when they are in great trouble we ought to be as willing to

-stay with them as when they were happy and bright and could make us

-enjoy ourselves."

-

-"Betty," answered George, in admiration, "why did I not think of this? I

-see it is just what we ought to do."

-

-"Because," said Betty, promptly, "women are much more thoughtful than

-men, and girls are much more thoughtful than boys."

-

-George did not dispute this, as he had been taught never to call in

-question any woman's goodness, and in his heart he believed them to be

-all as good as his mother and Betty and his sister Anne. The lesson of

-chivalry towards all women had been early and deeply taught him, and it

-was a part of the fibre of his being. "And shall I write and ask our

-mother to let us stay?" asked George, humbly.

-

-"No," replied Betty, with a slight accent of scorn; "you might not ask

-it in the right way. I shall write myself."

-

-Now, although Betty always assumed, when alone with George, this

-superior tone, yet when they were in company nothing could exceed her

-submissiveness towards this darling brother, and it was then George's

-turn to treat her with condescending kindness. But each thought this

-arrangement perfectly natural and mutually satisfactory. Whenever they

-had a discussion, though, Betty always carried the day, for she was

-really a girl of remarkably fine sense, and much more glib and

-persuasive than George, who could always be silenced, if not convinced,

-by Betty's ready tongue and quick wit. The next day the letter was

-written, and within a week a reply was received giving permission for

-them to remain over Christmas.

-

-Mrs. Washington, ever thoughtful of others, made the same preparation

-for the holiday on the estate as usual, so that, however sad the house

-might be, the servants should have their share of jollity. But the tie

-between a kind master and mistress and their slaves was one of great

-affection, and especially were the white children objects of affection

-to the black people. Therefore, although the usual Christmas holiday was

-given, with all the extra allowances and indulgences, it was a quiet

-season at Mount Vernon. On Christmas day, instead of the merry party in

-carriages going to Pohick Church, and an equally merry one going on

-board the _Bellona_ to service, the coach only took Mr. and Mrs.

-Washington and Betty to church, George riding with them, for he hated a

-coach, and never drove when he could ride.

-

-Meanwhile William Fairfax had returned to Belvoir, where there were

-Christmas festivities. George and Betty were asked, and although their

-brother and sister urged them to go, neither felt really inclined for

-gayety. They were not of those natures forever in pursuit of pleasure,

-although none could enjoy it more when it came rightly; and a native

-good sense and tender sympathy with others, which found no expression in

-words, made them both feel that they should omit no mark of respect in a

-case where they were so directly benefited as by the little girl's

-death. Laurence Washington and his wife could not admire too much

-George's delicacy about Mount Vernon. While he made use of the servants

-and the horses and carriages and boats, and everything else on the

-place, with the freedom of a son rather than of a younger brother, no

-word or look escaped him that indicated he was the heir.

-

-William Fairfax was a great resource to both George and Betty. Living a

-whole summer together as he and George had done, it was inevitable that

-they should become either very much attached or very antagonistic--and

-luckily they had become devotedly fond of one another. William was

-preparing to enter William and Mary College the following year, and

-George bitterly regretted that he would not have so pleasant a companion

-for his next summer's work. Very different were his circumstances now,

-the acknowledged heir of a rich brother. But George determined to act as

-if no such thing existed, and to carry out his plan of finishing the

-surveys on Lord Fairfax's lands. The universal expectation of war with

-France, whenever the French and English outposts should get sufficiently

-near, made him sure that he would one day bear arms; but he prepared for

-whatever the future might hold for him by doing his best in the present.

-

-In February he returned to Ferry Farm for a while, but he had been there

-only a month when Laurence Washington wrote, begging that he would

-return, and saying that he himself felt utterly unequal to carrying on

-the affairs of a great estate in his present wretched state of health

-and spirits. Madam Washington made no objection to George's return to

-Mount Vernon. She realized the full extent of Laurence's kind intentions

-towards George, and that his presence was absolutely necessary to keep

-the machinery of a large plantation going.

-

-In March, therefore, George was again at Mount Vernon, practically in

-charge of the place. There were ploughing and ditching and draining and

-clearing and planting to be done, and, with a force of a hundred and

-fifty field hands and eighteen hundred acres of arable land, it was no

-small undertaking. By daylight George was in the saddle, going first to

-the stables to see the stock fed, then to the kennels, and, after

-breakfast, riding over the whole estate. It kept him in the open air all

-day, and he began to like not only the life, but the responsibility. He

-had all the privileges of the master, Laurence leaving everything to his

-judgment, and his sister was glad to have it so. This continued until

-June, when, the crops being well advanced and Lord Fairfax having

-written urgently for him, he turned affairs over to the overseer until

-the autumn, and prepared to resume his work as a surveyor.

-

-He paid a hurried visit to Ferry Farm, where, although he was painfully

-missed, things went on perfectly well, for no better farmer than Madam

-Washington could be found in the colony of Virginia. Indeed, George's

-success at Mount Vernon was due in great measure to applying the sound

-system in vogue at Ferry Farm to the larger interests at Mount Vernon.

-Madam Washington's pride in his responsible position at Mount Vernon,

-and his still greater responsibility as a State surveyor for Lord

-Fairfax, did much to reconcile her to George's long absences. Deep in

-her heart she cherished a pride in her eldest son that was one of the

-master-passions of her life. The extreme respect that George paid her

-filled her with more satisfaction than the attentions of all the rest of

-the world. Once only had they clashed--in the matter of the midshipman's

-warrant. She had won a nominal victory by an appeal to his feelings, but

-she had no mind after that for any more battles of the sort. So, with

-tears, but with encouraging smiles, she saw him set forth, in the summer

-of 1749, upon his second year's work in the wilderness.

-

-[TO BE CONTINUED.]

-

-

-

-

-HOW TO MANAGE AN AQUARIUM.

-

-BY JAMES STEELE.

-

-

-It is generally supposed that it is necessary to change the water in an

-aquarium at least once a day; but that is not the case. The true

-principle on which an aquarium should be conducted is not to change the

-water at all, but so to aerate and refresh the original supply as to

-maintain it always in a pure and perfect state. There are several means

-by which this may be done. The healthy growth of plants is very

-important, and active and brisk contact with the air of the atmosphere

-will greatly freshen the water. Motion in the water is absolutely

-necessary. In large aquaria this is obtained by an arrangement of tanks

-into which the water is pumped, and from which it flows rapidly,

-circulating through the tanks where the fish live. In its passage

-through the air it absorbs considerable oxygen, without which no fish

-can live. Fish placed in water that has been boiled die in a very few

-minutes.

-

-In a small aquarium the water can be refreshed by frequently drawing it

-up through a glass or rubber syringe, and squirting it back into the

-vessel from some height above it.

-

-The first thing to be done in the formation of a fresh-water aquarium is

-to start your plants in proper soil at the bottom of your tank, fill the

-tank with water, and leave it undisturbed until the plants begin to grow

-and the little bubbles of oxygen are to be seen rising to the surface of

-the water.

-

-Choose your plants from such as you may collect from rivers or brooks or

-ponds anywhere in the country. Plant them, and then cover the surface of

-the soil with pebbles and small bits of rock, or anything that is

-suitable and in keeping with the rest of your arrangements. Never put

-sea-shells into a fresh-water aquarium, and never put in any artificial

-objects. Everything should be as simple and natural as you can make it.

-

-Now fill your tank with water poured through a siphon or funnel, being

-very careful not to disturb the soil or the roots of the plants. You

-should have some clean river sand in the bottom of your tank, and your

-pieces of rock should be so arranged as to form little caves and

-hiding-places for your fish. It will take perhaps two weeks to get your

-tank into a proper condition for fish to live in. Every bit of dead or

-decaying vegetation should be carefully removed. Keep your tank shaded

-from the heat of the sun, and expose it to the bright light only once in

-awhile.

-

-In order to manage your aquarium properly you will require a few simple

-tools. A little hand-net that can be bought for a few cents, or made for

-even less out of a bit of wire and a small piece of mosquito-netting, is

-useful for catching the fish or shells without putting your hands into

-the water. A pair of wooden forceps, like a glove-stretcher, will be

-found most convenient for nipping off bits of decaying plants or for

-catching objects that may have accidentally fallen into the water. Glass

-tubes of various sizes are also useful. If you want to catch any small

-object in the water with the tube, place the tube in the water with your

-finger over the hole in the top. Until your finger is removed the tube

-will remain full of air. Place it over the bit of refuse or whatever it

-is you want to catch, remove your finger, and the water will rush in,

-carrying the object with it into the tube, which should then be closed

-at the upper end by placing your finger over it as before. A glass or

-hard-rubber syringe is necessary with which to aerate the water

-thoroughly at least once a day, and oftener if possible. Fill the

-syringe, hold it high above the tank, and then squirt the water back

-again. A long piece of India-rubber tubing which may be used as a siphon

-is necessary for the purpose of changing the water in the tank, when it

-is evident that something has gone wrong.

-

-If a green film begins to gather on the side of the tank that is most

-exposed to the light, it should be cleaned away every day, and the sides

-of the glass polished carefully. A small piece of clean sponge tied on

-the end of a stick will answer the purpose very well, and, if used

-daily, you can keep the glass clear with very little trouble; but if the

-scum is neglected and left to accumulate, you will find it almost

-impossible to remove it from the glass even by hard scouring.

-

-It is best to have only small fish in your aquarium, and for this reason

-trout are not desirable. Although very beautiful and intelligent, they

-grow so rapidly that they are likely to become in a short time too

-unwieldy for your tank. Goldfish and minnows are very good, and the

-common little sunfish or "pumpkin-seed" is excellent.

-

-You must keep careful watch over the fish in your aquarium, and if any

-one of them appears to be sick he should be removed at once, very

-gently, with the hand-net, and placed in fresh water, where he will

-often recover. If, however, the little sufferer is doomed to die, it is

-better not to run the risk of his doing so among his healthy companions.

-It is best always to have a hospital for your sickly pets, and as soon

-as one of them, whether a fish or a bird or any animal, shows signs of

-ill health, he should be taken away from the others and placed by

-himself.

-

-Certain varieties of snails live well in fresh water, and will be found

-useful in clearing away the green film that is almost certain to collect

-on the side of the glass; but you must be careful or they will devour

-your plants as well; and if your tank is very small it is hardly worth

-while to try to keep them.

-

-Water-beetles and water-spiders also thrive well, and their habits are

-most interesting to watch; but water-beetles fly by night, and unless

-you are careful to cover your tank you are likely to discover some

-morning that a number of your tenants have taken French leave.

-

-You must be careful not to overstock your aquarium, for your fish will

-not thrive if they are overcrowded. Remember, also, that heat and dust

-are fatal to your pets. The water must be kept clean and cool at all

-times, and all foreign matter and every particle of decaying vegetation

-should be removed immediately.

-

-To manage an aquarium successfully, no matter on how small a scale,

-requires a good deal of care and time, but you will find it time well

-spent, and the pleasure and knowledge the study of your pets will give

-you will be an ample return for the time you spend on them.

-

-

-

-

-WHO CAN ANSWER?

-

-BY GRACE A. CANNON.

-

-

-  The question's not a new one, dear,

-    But one that ev'ry day

-  Comes to some girls and boys I know

-    While at their work or play.

-

-  My Nanny comes to me at morn,

-    And with beseeching look,

-  Asks me if I can tell her where

-    She'll find her slate or book.

-

-  And Teddy comes to me and says,

-    Sometimes with downcast eye,

-  "Mamma dear, won't you please to come

-    And help me find my tie?"

-

-  And Alice, too, comes with a frown

-    When going out for play;

-  "Oh dear, mamma, what did I do

-    With my hat yesterday?"

-

-  No hat is found out in the hall;

-    The book's not in its case;

-  No tie is found upstairs to be

-    In its accustomed place.

-

-  Now me the reason tell, my dear,

-    And quickly, if you can,

-  Why all these things may not be found

-    By Alice, Ted, or Nan?

-

-  The question's not a new one, dear,

-    But one that ev'ry day

-  Comes to some girls and boys I know

-    While at their work or play.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: ADVENTURES WITH FRIEND PAUL.]

-

-BY PAUL DU CHAILLU.

-

-Part I.

-

-

-Dear young folks of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, I have been invited by my

-friend, the Editor, to write for you a series of stories in which I

-shall tell you of some of the adventures that have happened to me in the

-great equatorial forest which begins on the west coast at the sea-shore

-and stretches far to the east on both sides of the equator, adventures

-which I have not told in _Stories of the Gorilla Country_, _Lost in the

-Jungle_, _Wild Life Under the Equator_, _My Apingi Kingdom_, and _The

-Country of the Dwarfs_, five books which I wrote especially for you.

-

-During my travels I have had so many strange adventures, I have endured

-so many days of hunger and starvation, I have had so many hair-breadth

-escapes, I have seen so many strange sights, I have met face to face so

-many savage and fierce men and still more savage and dangerous beasts,

-that I could spend days in recounting to you the adventures of my life.

-

-Africa is a wonderful country. There are great sandy deserts, extensive

-ranges of mountains, immense prairies, vast tracts of brushwood, swampy

-lands, great rivers and lakes; but the wonder of that large continent is

-the great equatorial forest I discovered, and which contains so many

-wild animals and interesting tribes of people.

-

-What an immense forest it is--a sea of trees, if I may use the

-expression! No one knows how wide it is, neither do we know its exact

-length.

-

-What gigantic trees are seen in that forest! Some rival in size the

-great California trees. These are the giants of the forest, and they

-rise two or three hundred feet above the other trees, upon which they

-look down. They are like sentinels watching over the country. Some of

-these big trees are worshipped by the natives. Under the roof of the

-mighty branches is the thick jungle, where no man can penetrate easily.

-The jungle is the undergrowth of the forest. It is made up of younger

-trees: lianas, thorny creepers, kinds of bamboo and rattan, thorny

-trees, sword-grass that cuts like a razor, and aloes plant in the swampy

-parts. In many places the explorer cannot see a yard off from where he

-stands.

-

-What beautiful butterflies and queer insects, rare birds--some with

-brilliant plumage--lovely and strange flowers and orchids the traveller

-will meet as he explores this unknown land! Though all alone in that

-great solitude, he will seldom feel lonely, for his mind will be

-occupied all the time.

-

-[Illustration: HIDDEN SNAKES THE CHIEF DANGER OF THE FOREST.]

-

-There are also many disagreeable things in the forest. The most

-dangerous, for they are often enemies unseen, are the snakes. There are

-snakes that live chiefly in the water. I used to keep a sharp lookout

-for them when I bathed in the clear little streams which run through the

-woods. There are tree snakes, those who pass a great part of their time

-on trees and feed on squirrels, birds, and monkeys; and also land

-snakes--that is, snakes that never climb trees and seldom go into the

-water. The biggest of them is the python. Often they are coiled along

-the trunk of a tree waiting to spring upon a passing gazelle. But there

-are so many venomous snakes, it makes me shudder as I think of them with

-their triangular heads. What fangs they have, especially the _Clotho

-nasicornis_, a thick short snake! Its fangs for all the world look like

-fish bones. In color that snake can hardly be distinguished from the

-ground and dead leaves on which it crawls. It is of great thickness

-round the middle; its head is very huge and hideous, being triangular in

-shape, and having an erect proboscis or born rising from the tip of its

-nose. Besides snakes, there are centipedes, so-called because, I

-suppose, they have about a hundred legs. Their sting is poisonous, and

-in some cases fatal; those that are very dark in color are much dreaded.

-

-Then the scorpions! you find them everywhere, even between the leaves of

-your books!

-

-What narrow escapes I have had with snakes, scorpions, centipedes! I

-wonder sometimes that I am alive to tell of the things I have seen. I

-never used to lie down without looking for these creeping things. You

-think, naturally, that a man's life must be miserable on that account.

-Not at all; one gets accustomed to everything in the world. At last I

-did not mind it at all, I got so used to doing this every day.

-

-There were also many kinds of flies--called by the natives the mboco,

-ntchoona, the eloway. The mosquitoes will often plague us. We shall meet

-the terrible bashikonay ants. When they spread in the forest, they

-attack every living animal. All flee before them--gorilla, leopard, and

-elephant.

-

-In that great forest are many tribes of men; some of them wear no

-clothing whatever. These people worship idols, good and evil spirits;

-dread witchcraft, and put to death all those who they think are wizards

-or witches. They are constantly engaged in warfare against each other.

-The most fierce looking of all are the cannibal tribes. How horrid they

-look with their sharp-pointed teeth, which have been made so by being

-filed! What magnificent-looking warriors they are! What brave hunters!

-It was in their country that I shot my first gorilla.

-

-The strangest people I discovered were the dwarfs or pygmies, a race of

-people very diminutive in size. They looked so queer, especially the

-white-headed old folks. None of their houses is more than three feet in

-height. These pygmies, like the monkeys, lived chiefly on the fruits,

-berries, and nuts of the forest; they never cultivated the soil. But

-they knew the use of fire, knew how to trap game and cook their meat.

-

-All these tribes thought Friend Paul was a Moguizic, a supernatural

-being who had come from some part of the sky. Many believed that I had

-descended from the moon, and that I came to see the world and its

-inhabitants. They believed that I could do all kinds of supernatural

-things, and in many tribes where guns were unknown they thought I held

-thunder and lightning in my hands, and when I fired a gun they all fell

-low on the ground.

-

-Highways of communication and roads are unknown in this great dark

-Africa. But there are numerous paths going in every direction, so the

-traveller, if the natives are willing to guide him, can go from the west

-coast to the east coast, and from the Cape of Good Hope to Egypt,

-Morocco, and Algeria, or _vice versa_, for every village and tribe has

-paths leading towards the other. Often the paths leading from one

-village to another are very difficult to follow, for the jungle is so

-rank; and often they are closed for months on account of wars among

-different tribes.

-

-Such paths you have never seen--narrow, just wide enough for a man to go

-through the thick jungle. The branches of trees often join together.

-Here a big tree has fallen across the path, and you must either bend

-yourself to pass under it, or climb over it. If you cannot do either,

-then you must go around it. You have to walk over the roots of trees

-until your feet are sore. Sometimes then you fall in the midst of

-sword-grass, or under the canelike bamboos or palms, or have to walk in

-swamps filled with aloes. I still walk in a stooping manner, the result

-of my being obliged to bend constantly under branches of trees, or under

-fallen ones. Often a stream is your only path.

-

-Day after day, my dear young folks, Friend Paul spent travelling in that

-forest without hearing the chatter of a monkey or the shrill cry of a

-parrot. The only noise he could hear was now and then the falling of a

-leaf or the gentle murmur of a little stream wending its way towards

-some big unknown river which he hoped some day to find.

-

-I walked thousands and thousands of miles on foot under its shady trees.

-The foliage was so thick that sometimes I was several weeks without

-being able to see the sun, the moon, or the stars, for my eyes could not

-penetrate the dense and thick leaves. How glad I was when I came to a

-river or an open space, and could see once more the sun, the moon, and

-the stars! I loved the stars, for without them and the moon I could not

-have known where I was; they showed me the way all through my travels.

-

-Not only had I to travel on foot, but everything I had to take with me

-had to be carried on the backs of men, for no beasts of burden are to be

-found in the big forest. There are no camels, no donkeys, no horses, no

-oxen; and had I taken some with me they would have died of starvation,

-for there were no pastures, and they could not have lived on the

-different leaves of the trees or of the jungle. Besides, they could not

-have gone through the narrow crooked path of the great forest.

-

-Rain falls almost every night for hours, accompanied by such thunder and

-lightning as you have never heard or seen in our country. The claps of

-thunder are so terrific that often they made me jump from my bed of

-leaves. The lightning at times is so vivid that it pierces the foliage

-of the trees; and as to the heavy rain, it often falls like a solid

-sheet of water for hours, and this happens almost every night for nine

-months of the year. After the rainy season comes the dry season--cold,

-for sometimes the thermometer falls to 66° Fahrenheit. I felt then this

-low temperature very much. Not a drop of rain falls during the dry

-season; but far in the interior, in the mountain regions, it rains

-twelve months of the year, but during three months of that time no

-thunder is heard.

-

-If the men are strange, the beasts roaming in that great forest are

-still more wonderful to behold. The huge elephant roams everywhere on

-its rivers and lakes, the hippopotami are numerous in the sluggish

-streams, and the lakes are filled with crocodiles of huge size. The

-great gorilla, which I discovered, is the terror of the natives, and is

-called by them the Giant of the Forest. The strong man of the woods

-wanders continually in search of fruits, berries, and nuts. When night

-comes he sleeps at the foot of a tree, while his wife, the female

-gorilla, is sleeping on its branches. The gorilla never makes a shelter

-or a house for himself. Those who describe them as making houses mislead

-you. Friend Paul killed many of these gorillas, and was the first white

-man who ever hunted them and saw them in their wild state.

-

-Besides the gorilla, Friend Paul saw several other wonderful kinds of

-man-like apes, also the common chimpanzee, called by the natives

-nshiego. Then he discovered three new species or varieties of the

-chimpanzee family, known to the natives under the names of

-Nshiego-mbouve, apes with bald heads and black faces; the

-Nshiego-nkengo, whose faces always remain yellow; and the Kooloo-kamba.

-All these apes are very shy, and the hunter to approach them has to be

-very wary.

-

-Dear friends, we are to travel together in that great African forest. We

-will carry no tents with us; we will build a new camp every day when we

-are on the march, and we will protect ourselves from the rain by

-building slanting roofs, covered with large leaves put on the top of

-each other as we do with shingles, slates, or tiles at home. We will

-protect ourselves from the wild beasts by burning all night large

-fires--the wild beasts are afraid of fire. These fires will protect us

-also from snakes and voracious ants.

-

-When we cannot find game we will be hungry together, and, like the

-monkeys, we will have to eat the wild berries, nuts, and fruits of the

-forest. When we cannot find these we will starve together until

-Providence comes to our rescue. At other times, when food is very scarce

-and it becomes a matter of life and death, we will be obliged to eat

-snakes, or sometimes leopards. When we have plenty, we will eat

-elephants, hippopotami, crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar, antelope,

-gazelles, and other animals. Often we will feast on monkeys--these at

-certain times of the year are delicious. Then, when we get into regions

-where no animals are to be seen, and fruits, nuts, and berries cannot be

-found--then we will drink water, which will help us to keep body and

-soul together. At times we will lie down under some big tree, ill with

-fever or weak from starvation. Then we shall think of the sweet home

-that is so far away, and wonder if we will ever return there again.

-

-

-

-

-CAPTAIN HANK'S SUBSTITUTE.

-

-

-Captain Hank of the Life-boat Patrol Service and Jack Hawley were old

-friends. The Captain had been at the station near Jack's house for a

-number of seasons, and when Jack first met him he was such a little chap

-that the Captain called him "Shorty." Jack had grown, however, into a

-strong hearty lad, and his one ambition was to get into the life-boat

-service.

-

-While they were talking one night in the station the sharp ring of the

-telephone bell made all hands glance up anxiously. Captain Hank strode

-over to the receiver.

-

-"Hullo!--Yes, Captain Hank.--What is it? Tramp steamer ashore? Yes. How

-many men do you want? Hullo! Yes. Full relief? All right--send them

-immediately. Good-by.

-

-"Boys, there's a tramp ashore at the lower station; want the full

-relief. Trot along, and get back as soon as you can. There's a nasty sea

-on to-night, and, with the wind right on shore, we might want you."

-

-The men donned their oil-skins and boots, and trotted off down the beach

-to the lower station, some five miles below. The Captain glanced at the

-remaining men, enough to man the life-boat, with the man out on patrol.

-

-"It's a fearful night out, boys," he said.

-

-The words had hardly left his mouth when the door opened and the patrol

-rushed in.

-

-"Three-master ashore on the outer bar, Captain."

-

-Like a flash every man was on his feet and into his oil-skins. Seizing

-the gun-carriage, they rushed it out and down the plank runway to the

-beach. Jack ran along with them, and strained his eyes as the Coston

-signal-light lit up the raging sea and disclosed to view a large

-three-master lying almost on her beam ends. There was a slight

-phosphorescent glow where the mad seas, lashed into foam, broke about

-her, sweeping the decks. Even as he looked two of her masts toppled and

-fell with a crash. On the shrouds of the remaining one a dark group was

-huddled.

-

-Jack's heart thrilled with excitement and pity. Poor fellows! their

-lives must be saved!

-

-The life-saving crew were busy with the gun, and in a few minutes away

-went the shot carrying a delicate line out to the wreck. It fell short

-or the wind drove it back. Again and again they tried it, but without

-success. The wind seemed to carry it to one side.

-

-"It's no use, boys, trying to rig the breeches buoy," roared the

-Captain; "we've got to man the life-boat, so get on your corks. I'll

-telephone to the lower station to see if I can get any of the boys

-back."

-

-Jack longed to go in the boat, but he knew it was impossible, and,

-sheltered behind it, he watched the black shadow on the bar, and hoped

-they would be in time to save the lives out there. The wind was sweeping

-and screaming with violent force, and the cold spray lashed the beach

-with foam. Jack heard one of the men yell to his neighbor that the

-Captain was a long while, and, thinking he could be of help, he ran back

-to hurry him up.

-

-As he entered the station a low groan greeted him. The Captain lay in

-the middle of the floor, motionless. He had stumbled over some rope in

-his hurry, and broken his arm.

-

-"It's no use, Jack," he moaned; "I can't go out with this arm. We will

-need the six oars in such a sea."

-

-Jack paused. "Captain," he said, "they will launch the boat." And

-catching a heavy oil-skin coat off a peg he rushed down to the beach.

-The men stood waiting, looking out to sea. Without saying a word he

-gripped the boat, and when the right breaker came he gruffly shouted,

-"Now, men," as he had often heard the Captain, and with a strong heave

-and all together they rushed the boat out into the surf and leaped

-aboard.

-

-Jack seized the steering-oar, and before the next wave could swamp them

-they got a grip on the water and successfully mounted it. It was a

-remarkable launch in such a sea, and promised success for their other

-efforts.

-

-They were going right into the teeth of the gale, and the crew rose to

-the work. It was hard work, though. The wind beat them back, tearing at

-their frail craft with fierce tugs, dashing the frozen spray over them

-in sheets. To reach the wreck Jack had to keep off the wind a little,

-and time and time again the boat's head would swing around, and his

-heart would jump as the monstrous waves threatened to swamp her.

-

-His hands were numb with cold and his face frozen with spray. The crew

-bent over their oars. They knew nothing of the change of Captains, and

-when they heard the gruff commands, they may have wondered at the

-boyishness of the tones, but never dreamed who was steering the boat.

-

-They were nearing the ship, and with admirable skill, in keeping with

-his efforts from the start, Jack got up in the lee of the wreck,

-directly under the shrouds to which the group was clinging. Slowly but

-surely, one by one, the men scrambled down the rigging and, when a

-favorable opportunity presented itself, leaped aboard.

-

-There were five men, and as the last came aboard Jack did a neat bit of

-steering that even the brave crew of the life-boat noticed and cheered.

-They left the wreck, and with their backs to the mad wind, they bounded

-over the roaring waves towards the shore.

-

-Jack kept the boat directly in front of the storm, and as they neared

-the surf his command rang out, "Steady!" And then a gigantic wave raised

-them on its crest and, with a swirl and a roar, ran them upon the beach.

-In a trice they ran the boat out of reach of the surf.

-

-In the snug warmth of the station the crew started to cheer the dripping

-Captain in his oil-skins; but when he took off the broad-brimmed hat

-that hid his face and they saw Jack, they were mute. One of them rushed

-to their Captain's bunk, and when he saw the helpless figure of the real

-Captain lying there, he pointed to it and then to Jack.

-

-  HUBERT EARL.

-

-

-

-

-UP IN A WATER-SPOUT.

-

-ONE OF THE OLD SAILOR'S YARNS.

-

-BY W. J. HENDERSON.

-

-

-The Old Sailor sat on the end of the pier, but he was restless and ill

-at ease. He looked often at the southwestern sky, where heavy blue-black

-clouds were massing themselves in low and writhing shapes. He shook his

-head solemnly, rose to his feet, and walked nervously up and down.

-

-"This are the werry identical kind o' day it were," he muttered, "an' ef

-we don't see some on 'em to-day, w'y, I'm a bloomin' marine, that's

-wot."

-

-"See some of what?" inquired a voice behind him; and turning, he saw the

-two boys.

-

-"Waal, waal, waal!" he exclaimed; "you two infants is a-gettin' 'most as

-weatherwise as tree-frogs."

-

-This exclamation was not unnatural, for the two boys were clad in long

-sea-boots, oil-skins, and sou'westers.

-

-"Ye look like a pair o' sunflowers," said the Old Sailor, with

-admiration in his tone, "an' I reckon ye don't worry much about the rain

-wot are a-comin'."

-

-"No; I guess we will not get wet," said Henry, laughing.

-

-"But s'posin'--now mind I don't go fur to say it'll happen--but s'posin'

-ye was to go fur to come fur to git carried up aloft."

-

-"What ever do you mean?" asked George.

-

-"Look down yonder--quick!" exclaimed the Old Sailor, pointing to the

-southern horizon.

-

-The boys saw an immense blue-black cloud, from which hung down a great

-dark cone. A similar cone, point upward, rose from the sea, and the two

-were joined by a slender wavering black column.

-

-"Oh, what is it?" cried George.

-

-"I know," exclaimed Henry. "It's a water-spout."

-

-"It's going out to sea," ejaculated George.

-

-"Werry good; werry good indeed," said the Old Sailor, sagely; "it

-sartainly are a-goin' out to sea. 'Cos w'y, it can't go on land, 'cos it

-are a water-spout an' not a landspout, w'ich the same there ain't none,

-'ceptin' them on the sides o' houses fur rain to go down, an' them

-mostly leaks."

-

-The three stood and watched the dreaded monster of the sea--a rare sight

-indeed near shore--until it passed out of sight.

-

-"It are gone," said the Old Sailor, "an' it 'ain't took nothin' with 't

-'ceptin' wind an' water."

-

-"Do they ever take anything else with them?" asked George.

-

-"W'ich the same they do," answered the Old Sailor; "an' wot they takes

-ain't never come back but oncet, as I knows on. I knowed we'd see some

-on 'em to-day; 'cos w'y, this are the kind o' day wot breeds 'em, an' it

-are the werry identical kind o' day wot it all happened on."

-

-So saying, the Old Sailor sat down on the end of the pier, and the boys

-seated themselves beside him.

-

-"This 'ere yarn wot I'm a goin' fur to tell ye," began the Old Sailor,

-"are a most ser'ous tale, an' I hopes as how 't won't go fur to give ye

-no nightmare. I were fust mate o' the barkentine _Herrin' Bones_, bound

-from Rio Janeiro to New York. She were a wall-sided hooker, with double

-to'-gallants, an' a werry disrepitable habit o' goin' to leeward."

-

-"What was her cargo?" asked George.

-

-"I allers tells ye wot the cargo were, my son, but this 'ere wessel

-didn't have no cargo; she were flyin' light, an' preehaps 'twould 'a'

-bin better ef she'd had more ballast aboard. Her Cap'n were Gawge W.

-Smoke, an' her second mate were a long-legged feller from New Orleans,

-named Pierre Crust, an' a werry crusty Pierre he were too. Waal, to git

-right down to the business part o' this 'ere yarn wot I'm a-tellin' ye,

-I'll say that we didn't have nothin' but fair weather an' good

-to'-gallant breezes till we got right up atwixt St. Thomas an' Bermooda,

-an' then it rained an' blowed squalls an' thunder-storms fur two days

-an' nights all round the compass. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he to me,

-sez he, 'It ain't no fittin' weather fur to be buggaluggin' round here.'

-An' sez I to he, sez I, 'It ain't, but here we be, an' we can't fly

-away,' sez I, jess like that, him bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate, an' the

-barkentine bein' the _Herrin' Bones_. But ef I'd knowed wot were

-a-comin', I'd never said nothin'.

-

-"Waal, them squalls an' thunder-storms kep' a-gettin' thicker an'

-blacker, till byme-by the hull sky all round were jess like it were down

-yonder a leetle while ago. An' Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he allowed that we'd

-best stand by fur water-spouts. Sure 'nuff, 'twere jess about six bells

-in the forenoon watch o' the second day o' this 'ere cantankerous

-weather, w'en the lookout sung out, 'Water-spout on the weather bow!'

-'Fore we had time to look at it another hand sighted one on the lee bow,

-an' some one else seed one on the weather-quarter. In less 'n five

-minutes we sighted seven on 'em to wind'ard an' six to leeward, makin'

-thirteen, w'ich the same that are a werry unlucky number.

-

-"Waal, we clapped on a leetle more sail, hopin' fur to run out o' this

-'ere convention o' water-spouts. But, bless ye! ye might as well 'a'

-tried to git away from a express train by runnin' down the track ahead

-o't. They was comin' down on us at a powerful gait. W'en the biggest one

-were about half a mile away, we could see it whirlin' round an' round

-like a big wheel, an' it roared like Niagarer Falls, w'ich the same ye

-'ain't never seed, but ye see pictures of 'em in your geoggerfy. Pierre

-Crust, our second mate, he got so skeered he jess went an' hid his head

-under a deck bucket. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he give orders to clew up the

-to'-gallants, so's to stop the vessel, hopin' that the spout'd pass

-ahead on us. But, bless ye! the bloomin', bleedin', blasted thing turned

-out of its course, an' kep' a-comin' right fur us.

-

-"'We're bound for Davy Jones's locker,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez

-he. 'It are a-goin' to break right on top o' us.'

-

-"'Werry good, sir,' sez I. 'Axin' your parmission, I'll put on a

-life-persarver.'

-

-"''Twon't do ye no good,' sez he. 'W'en she breaks on us she'll drive us

-twenty fathom down. Here it comes! Stan' by, all hands, to go under

-hatches.'

-

-"Roarin' like a thunder-storm, an' loomin' over us like a iceberg turned

-black, the water-spout come to the barkentine. We all shut our eyes, an'

-held our breath, an' waited to be buried under a million tons o' water.

-But may I never live to see lobscouse agin ef the bloomin' thing busted

-at all! We felt the ship give a lurch an' a jump, an' then she started

-off at the rate o' thirty knots an hour.

-

-"'Wot are it?' yelled the Cap'n.

-

-"'The water-spout!' I yells back. 'She's picked us up!'"

-

-The Old Sailor paused to gaze around the horizon, and the two boys gazed

-at one another in breathless amazement. In a moment their remarkable

-friend resumed his narrative.

-

-"It weren't no sort o' pickle fur a decent old barkentine to be in, an'

-the _Herrin' Bones_ knowed it, but there she were. She were a-sailin'

-round and round like a chicken with its head off. Her keel were in the

-water o' the spout, an' her masts was a-stickin' out sideways like

-toothpicks out o' old Bill Smorkey's mouth arter dinner. W'y, blow me

-fur a farmer ef I don't b'lieve she'd 'a' fell off the bloomin' thing

-sideways ef it hadn't bin that the wind wot the spout made a-goin' round

-filled the sail she had spread, an' so kep' her up.

-

-"'Clew up the foretops'l!' hollered Pierre Crust.

-

-"'Let it alone,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he. 'D'ye want to fall

-off this 'ere marine buzz-saw an' git drownded?'

-

-"'Stop the ship; we're out o' our course,' sez Tobias Kitten, the

-carpenter, w'ich the same he ort to bin a tailor, 'cos w'y, he didn't

-know no more about a ship nor a feller wot sits cross-legged onto a

-table an' mends pants fur a livin'.

-

-"'Out o' our course!' sez the Cap'n, sez he. 'I wish the bloomin'

-water-spout were out o't.'

-

-"All hands was a-layin' flat on deck, with our feet agin' the lee

-rail--leastways it ort to bin the lee rail, 'cos it were the one wot

-were down, but it weren't, 'cos the wind were blowin' up, an' things was

-ginerally goin' back end fust, like a Chinese junk in a head-sea.

-

-"'D'ye think she'd right herself ef we cut away the masts?' Cap'n Gawge

-W. Smoke sez he to me.

-

-"'Mebbe she would,' sez I to he; 'but ef she did we'd have water on top

-o' us, an' then good-by.'

-

-"'Then I'm blowed ef I know wot to do with her,' sez he to me, sez he.

-An' me not knowin' wot to say back, I didn't say nothin', but hung on

-with both hands.

-

-"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust; 'we're a-goin' up this 'ere dreadful

-thing. Look down!'

-

-"An', sure 'nuff, w'en I looked over the side I seed a ship away down

-below us on the sea, an' her Cap'n were a-lookin' at us through a

-telescup, he were.

-

-"'Salt me down fur a mackerel,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'ef ever I

-thought that any ship o' mine would go fur to turn herself into a

-bloomin' balloon!'

-

-"All the time we was a-sailin' round an' round the spout like it was a

-corkscrew worked by steam, an' we was a-goin' up an' up.

-

-"'I wonder ef there's water 'nuff up there to float the old hooker?' sez

-Pierre Crust.

-

-"'Waal,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'she can't go aground in the clouds,

-anyhow, an' there ain't no rocks either.'

-

-"'Waal,' sez I to he, sez I, 'w'ere d'ye think she will go?'

-

-"An' he jess looks at me fur a minute, an' then sez he, 'Preehaps you'd

-like to get out a chart an' figger out yer position,' sez he to me, him

-bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate.

-

-"All this time the _Herrin' Bones_ were a-sailin' around an' around the

-bloomin' water-spout an' goin' up an' up. Now you know, 'cos you jess

-seed a werry short time ago, that them water-spouts widens out at the

-top till they just spreads right out into the flat clouds. Waal, we all

-commenced fur to wonder wot'd happen to us ef the _Herrin' Bones_ kep'

-on a-goin' up. Putty soon she beginned fur to lean over so that her deck

-weren't no safe place to stay on, an' then Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he

-orders all han's fur to go b'low.

-

-[Illustration: THE PRECARIOUS POSITION OF THE "HERRIN' BONES."]

-

-"'Might as well go to the clouds comf'table,' sez he. We all went b'low

-an' shut all the hatches. Then there weren't nothin' to do 'ceptin' fur

-to wait developments, as the old hen said w'en she sot down on the

-duck's egg. Byme-by the bark were hove over so fur that we was all

-a-settin' on her side, with the decks risin' up like walls on both sides

-of us. We could hear the ballast tumblin' over itself down in the hold,

-an' our stores was mixed up into the werry wust sea-salad wot any one

-ever seed.

-

-"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust, sez he, hidin' his head in a

-cracker-box, 'we're a-goin' to fall out o' the clouds upside down an' be

-all smashed up.'

-

-"He were a werry ostridge sort o' man, he were, 'cos he allers thort as

-how he were out o' danger ef he had his measly old head hid. Howsumever,

-we all thort putty much the same as he did, an' we weren't in no

-partikler humor fur to dance hornpipes about it.

-

-"'She's a gittin' furder over!' yelled Tobias Kitten.

-

-"An' so she were. We couldn't stay on the sides o' her any more, but had

-to sit down on the under sides o' the decks--wot shore-folks would call

-the ceilin'. An' the furniture in the cabin, bein' screwed fast, were

-all a-hangin' down from overhead.

-

-"'Waal, may I be squilgeed inside an' out with a paint brush,' sez Cap'n

-Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'ef ever I expected fur to be master o' any

-wessel wot were so undecent as to sail on her head.'

-

-"'Tobias Kitten,' sez I, 'slide back the hatch an inch an' tell us what

-ye can see.'

-

-"An' Tobias he laid down flat on his face, slid the hatch back, and

-peaked out. Then he shut it with a bang, an' turned paler'n he were

-afore.

-

-"'S'help me gracious goodness!' sez he; 'yo can't see nothin' 'cept

-white steam.'

-

-"Then we knowed we was up in the clouds fur sure, an' we all felt putty

-ser'ous; 'cos w'y, w'd never bin there afore, an' we didn't know nothin

-about the rules an' regulations o' livin' up there. All on a suddent

-there were a most fearful crash o' thunder.

-

-"'By the great hook block!' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'we're in

-a thunder-cloud.'

-

-"'An' mebbe w'en it begins for to rain,' sez I, 'we'll git rained down

-to 'arth agin.'

-

-"'Oh my! Oh my!' hollered Pierre Crust, out o' the cracker-box. 'On our

-heads! Oh dear! We're all dead men, sure.'

-

-"Waal, arter that fur half an hour it were not possible fur to carry on

-any werry improvin' conwersation, 'cos w'y, it were a-thunderin' an'

-a-lightnin' an' a-roarin' all around us, sech as no one never heerd

-afore. Then all on a suddent the bloomin' deck dropped right from under

-us, an' we was kinder floatin' around, a-grabbin' right an' left at

-things, all 'ceptin' Pierre Crust, an' he jess kep' his head in the

-cracker-box an' kicked out with his feet.

-

-"'We're a-fallin'! We're a-fallin'!' he yelled.

-

-"An' so we wuz. An' w'ile we wuz a-fallin' I seed the side o' the wessel

-come under me, an' then slide around till the floor o' the cabin were

-under me, an' then--boom! There were a most awful thump, an' a squash

-like wot ye hear w'en yo throw a stone into a mud-puddle, an' there we

-was."

-

-"Where?" cried both boys.

-

-"In the blessed Atlantic Ocean," said the Old Sailor, solemnly, "about a

-hundred miles this side o' Bermooda. An' Pierre Crust he pulled his head

-out o' the cracker-box an' bounced on deck, an' sez he:

-

-"'Wot was all you men so scared about? Turn to, now, an' get the cloth

-on her, an' we'll make Sandy Hook Light-ship in two days.'

-

-"An' so we did, too. An' w'en we got to New York we read in the papers

-as how the Cap'n o' the ship _Beeswax_ had seen a cur'ous mirage of a

-ship sailin' round an' round a water-spout. But we never could get

-nobody to b'lieve as how 'twere us."

-

-

-

-

-IN THE OLD HERRICK HOUSE.

-

-BY ELLEN DOUGLAS DELAND.

-

-CHAPTER III.

-

-

-The first week of Valentine's stay passed rapidly. So much of his time

-was occupied in visits to the oculist and in seeing the sights of the

-city that he was not in the house during the greater part of the day.

-

-The Misses Herrick began to fuel some degree of liking for the boy, who,

-though occasionally noisy, was always polite, and he and Elizabeth were

-soon firm friends.

-

-She had carried out her intention of consulting him about the affairs

-which most interested her. She had told him of her longing for their

-father's return and of the letter she had written to him; she had even

-conducted him to the mysterious room.

-

-Her aunts had gone out of town for the afternoon, and Miss Rice was also

-absent. The coast was exceptionally clear, for Marie, who had charge of

-the little girl, was only too ready to neglect her duties.

-

-Elizabeth was somewhat disappointed, however, by the effect produced

-upon Valentine by the disclosure of the room, or rather, the lack

-effect. He was apparently not in the least impressed.

-

-He looked about him, inspected the letters, took down a little clock

-from the mantelpiece and examined it, and then walked to the window.

-

-"Well," said Elizabeth, who was impatiently waiting for some expression

-of wonder, "what do you think of it?"

-

-"I don't see anything to make such a fuss over. Just a room, like

-anybody's else."

-

-"But whose was it?"

-

-"Don't know and don't care."

-

-"You don't? Why, I think it is the most exciting thing I ever heard of!"

-

-"If that isn't just like a girl! I suppose Marjorie would go wild over

-it too. But come along down to the garden. I haven't seen the Brady

-family yet, and I believe that is one of the girls down in the alley

-now."

-

-"It is," said Elizabeth, joining him at the window. "It is Eva Louise.

-Very well, we will go down. But I do wish you would be more excited over

-the room."

-

-"It takes a good deal to excite me," replied her guest. "If it were a

-game of football, now, or a bicycle-race, I might get excited; but just

-a room!"

-

-It would be impossible to convey an idea of the lofty scorn expressed by

-Valentine's voice; and much disappointed and feeling somewhat crushed,

-Elizabeth put away the keys. Then getting her hat and warm jacket, for

-the fall days were growing colder, she followed Valentine to the garden,

-and together they went out through the back gate.

-

-It is one of the peculiarities of Philadelphia that small streets known

-as "alleys" intersect the larger thoroughfares, and in many cases behind

-the handsomest houses are small dwellings in which live very poor

-families.

-

-The Herricks' garden occupied a large amount of space, and the alley and

-its inhabitants were almost too far away to be noticeable; but they were

-there, all the same, and here Elizabeth's friends, the Brady family,

-lived in a manner which formed a startling contrast to her own home.

-

-"I have thought of something," exclaimed Elizabeth, stopping short in

-the alley. Eva Louise, seeing them coming, had disappeared behind her

-own back gate. Even in so humble an abode as that of the Bradys it was

-only the back which opened upon the alley.

-

-"What is it?" asked Valentine.

-

-"It is about the Bradys," said Elizabeth, standing close to him and

-speaking in a low, mysterious voice that she might not be overheard from

-the other side of the fence. "Don't you think, Val, that it must be very

-hard for those girls to live in such a tiny little house and never to

-have a bit good time? Why, Eva Louise thinks the very nicest thing she

-can do is to play jack-stones on people's door-steps. Just think of it,

-Val, jack-stones! And she told me once that she had never been inside of

-any house, except those in their street that are like their own!"

-

-"Well, what of it? We can't help it; and what is your idea?"

-

-"But we can help it! That is just what I am going to tell you. We can

-invite the Bradys in to see us."

-

-"Oh, my eye! What would Aunt Caroline say?"

-

-Elizabeth was silent for a minute. She had not thought of that. "I don't

-know," she said, slowly. "I don't suppose Aunt Caroline would like it.

-We will have to give it up."

-

-"No, we won't," returned Val, who was becoming bored with city life and

-longed for excitement of some kind. "Let's have a party to-day while the

-aunts are away. They would never know."

-

-"We might; but I should tell them afterwards, of course. I really

-should, Val."

-

-"Seems to me you are getting pretty particular all of a sudden. How

-about that room that you go to all the time on the sly?"

-

-"That is true. I don't believe that is right. Why didn't you say so

-before, Val? I will tell Aunt Caroline to-night."

-

-"I say," interrupted Valentine, "I've got a dandy idea! Let's ask the

-Brady family over, and take them up to that room! No one will ever know,

-and it would be a jolly lark. I'll open the front door, and the servants

-won't know, either. It will be no end of fun. You go after them now and

-bring them over. You see, if we had them in the other part of the house

-we couldn't keep them out of sight, and the servants would make a fuss."

-

-Elizabeth looked doubtful. "I should like to," she said, "but we shall

-have to keep very quiet there, and not disturb the things in the room

-much. It really seems as if we ought to give them a good time, though,

-and when I explain it all to Aunt Caroline I don't believe she will

-mind; do you? At least, not so very much."

-

-"Of course she won't," said Valentine, hopefully, upon whom the scheme

-had taken a strong hold. "Go and get them and bring them around to the

-front door, and I will let you in."

-

-And without giving her time to remonstrate, Val left her and ran up the

-garden walk to the house.

-

-"After all," said Elizabeth to herself, "it can't be a wrong thing to

-do, for it says in the Bible that when people give parties they ought to

-invite all kinds of queer people. I remember perfectly it says to call

-in the lame, the halt, and the blind. I always thought 'call in' was

-such a funny expression, but I am sure it says it somewhere in the

-Bible, and I think it was about that party. Now the Brady family are not

-lame or blind, but perhaps they are halt. I never knew what halt meant,

-and very likely they _are_ halt. Anyhow, I mean to call them in." And

-suiting the action to the word, she raised her voice and called loudly:

-"Eva Louise! Eva Louise!"

-

-Eva Louise had been surveying her neighbors through a hole in the fence

-for some time. She had even caught a word or two of the conversation,

-and had heard her own name mentioned, but she had not understood what it

-was all about. Now, seeing that Elizabeth was alone, she opened the

-gate.

-

-"What do yer want?" she asked.

-

-"Is Bella at home?"

-

-"Guess so."

-

-"And Tom?"

-

-"Nope."

-

-"Is Dick?"

-

-"Nope."

-

-"Isn't George?"

-

-"Nope."

-

-"Nor Billy?"

-

-"Nope."

-

-"Oh, dear me, I am so sorry! Then who is at home?"

-

-"Me an' Bella an' the baby an' ma an', I guess, pop. He's mostly home.

-Pop ain't workin' now, but the boys is. What do yer want?"

-

-"Well, I want to invite you all over to our house. I am sorry the boys

-are not at home." Here Elizabeth paused, somewhat embarrassed. She did

-not care particularly about having "ma" and "pop" Brady. The former was

-inclined to be cross, and there was a disagreeable odor about Mr. Brady

-which it was well to avoid. Elizabeth did not know just what it was, but

-it reminded her of that which was sometimes wafted to her from a corner

-saloon. Clearly it would not do to "call in" Mr. and Mrs. Brady. "Well,"

-she said, with a sudden inspiration, "this is to be a young people's

-party. My brother and I are going to give it. I want to invite you and

-Bella to my house right away."

-

-"To your house?" repeated the wondering Eva Louise.

-

-"Yes. And we will go around outside to Fourth Street. Go get Bella."

-

-So Eva Louise went into the house and informed her astonished family

-that she and Bella were "axed to a party over to Herrickses." Whereupon

-Mrs. Brady promptly seized first one and then the other of her

-daughters, vigorously applied a scrubbing-brush to hands and faces, set

-upon the tangled heads two gaudy hats with lace and flowers, pinned

-together the gaping rent in Bella's frock, and pronounced them ready.

-

-"And mind yer manners," she cautioned. "Act pretty, an' mebbe the

-ladies'll give yer each a present. There's no knowin'."

-

-And then they rejoined Elizabeth in the alley, where she had waited,

-their hearts beating high with hope.

-

-The little group passed out of the alley and around through Spruce

-Street to Fourth Street. A number of people turned and looked at the

-oddly assorted trio walking so soberly along, Elizabeth, in her large

-felt hat and pretty jacket, between Eva Louise and Bella, in their

-tawdry finery and ragged frocks; but Elizabeth was quite unconscious of

-attracting attention.

-

-Her mind was absorbed with a new question which had presented itself.

-She had never heard of a party where the guests were not given some kind

-of refreshment, and she knew of no way in which she could provide it for

-the present occasion.

-

-It would not do to ask the servants for something to eat, neither would

-it be proper to stop and buy what was necessary at the cake-shop while

-her guests were with her. She must consult with Valentine.

-

-[Illustration: THE ARRIVAL OF EVA LOUISE AND BELLA.]

-

-Her fellow-conspirator was watching for them, and opened the door at

-once.

-

-"Everything is all right," he whispered to Elizabeth. "The cook is busy

-making cake, and the other girls are all chattering, and James has gone

-round to the stable to see the men there. There won't be anybody around

-to see us. We'll take them right up."

-

-"But wait a minute, Val," returned Elizabeth; "I want to ask you

-something. And first I must introduce you. That is the way I have heard

-Aunt Caroline do sometimes. This is my brother, Mr. Valentine Herrick,

-Miss Eva Louise and Miss Bella Brady. Now you know each other and can

-talk. If I had not introduced you, you know, you would not have been

-able to talk at all."

-

-Apparently the introduction did not have the desired effect of promoting

-conversation, for Bella put her finger in her mouth, and Eva Louise

-turned her back upon the company, while Val himself with difficulty

-repressed a laugh.

-

-"Will you please walk into the drawing-room and sit down a minute?" said

-their hostess. "I must speak to my brother, if you will please excuse

-me."

-

-The guests obeyed, and were presently seated upon two of

-great-grandfather Herrick's chairs with the high carved backs, while

-Julius Cćsar from the window-seat stared in astonishment.

-

-"We must give them something to eat, Val," whispered Elizabeth, in the

-hall. "How shall we get it?"

-

-"I will go buy it," returned Val, promptly. "Let's see; have you got any

-money?"

-

-"Yes; I have seventy-five cents, and if that isn't enough, I have some

-more in my little bank."

-

-"Oh, that is enough, with what I've got. You will have to stay in the

-parlor till I get back, so as to let me in," and seizing his cap, he was

-off.

-

-Elizabeth rejoined her visitors in the drawing-room and tried to make a

-conversation. Somehow, to talk to the Brady girls had never before been

-so difficult. In the alley there was always so much to say. Now they sat

-stiffly and straight upon their chairs, and their faces looked

-preternaturally solemn. There was silence in the room for a few

-minutes, and Julius came and rubbed himself against Elizabeth's feet.

-This suggested a topic.

-

-"Do you like cats?" she asked.

-

-"Yes," said Bella.

-

-"Nope," said Eva Louise, simultaneously.

-

-There was another pause.

-

-"It is a very nice day to-day."

-

-"Yes," they both replied.

-

-Elizabeth thought deeply for several minutes. What could she say next?

-

-"Are you at all halt?" she asked, presently.

-

-The Misses Brady merely stared.

-

-"Are you at all halt?" she repeated.

-

-"Yes, I guess so," answered Bella, who, though doubtful, thought it

-polite to agree.

-

-"Oh, that is a good thing," said Elizabeth, in a relieved tone. "I did

-not exactly know, you know, so I thought I had better ask. I am very

-glad you are halt. That makes it all right. And there is my brother come

-back. I will go and let him in, and then we will go up to the party."

-

-Valentine returned laden with oddly shaped packages, and the four

-ascended the stairs together.

-

-"It's a dandy old feast I've got," whispered the boy; "all the things

-that look so good, but you never have at home. We shall need some

-plates, though. I'll put these bundles down at the door, and while you

-are getting the keys I'll run down to the dining-room for the plates."

-

-He came back in a short time with a pile of Miss Herrick's best china,

-the plates which were used for the salad course when she gave a dinner;

-and Elizabeth having procured the keys, they entered the room. The

-guests were still under the spell of silence. Being invited to remove

-their hats, they did so and laid them on the bed. Then they gazed at the

-floor.

-

-"What shall we do?" said Elizabeth to Val, in an under-tone. She had

-never before realized what hard work it was to give a party.

-

-"Let's begin on the grub," suggested her brother, whose appetite was

-sharpened by the thought of the cake-shop dainties which could never be

-enjoyed at home.

-

-This seemed to be the best thing to do under existing circumstances, and

-Elizabeth removed the few articles which were on the table, and Val

-lifted it over to the centre of the room. A towel was spread over it for

-a table-cloth, the plates were set thereon, and then Val opened his

-packages and proudly placed the contents upon the plates.

-

-There was a half pie, presumably custard, four large cocoanut balls,

-four sour-balls, four huge doughnuts, four buns (generously speckled

-with currants), and, crowning delicacy, a paper box of vanilla

-ice-cream.

-

-Valentine made another raid upon the dining-room, and returned with

-forks, knives, and spoons, announcing that he had barely escaped meeting

-James, who was on his way up the back stairs just as Val left the

-pantry.

-

-The guests were then invited to draw up their chairs, which they did

-with an alacrity that was most encouraging.

-

-"I wonder if 'halt' means hungry?" thought Elizabeth. "I shouldn't

-wonder if it did."

-

-She politely ignored the fact that both visitors scorned the assistance

-of forks in eating the pie, and devoted herself to removing currants

-from a bun. Somehow it did not seem an appetizing feast to her, but

-Valentine and the Brady girls were enjoying it, and that was all that

-was necessary.

-

-At last the repast was over, the final course, consisting of a

-sour-ball, which so protruded the cheek of each member of the party that

-speech was for a time impossible, and then Elizabeth wondered what they

-should do next.

-

-"Suppose we play a game," suggested Val, as soon as he could speak.

-

-"So we will," agreed Elizabeth. "What shall it be? Eva Louise, do you

-know any nice games?"

-

-"Nope."

-

-"Do you, Bella?"

-

-"Jack-stones."

-

-"Oh yes, jack-stones. Well, we haven't got any."

-

-"Yes, we have, too. I brung 'em."

-

-"Oh, did you?"

-

-Apparently there was no help for it. Elizabeth despised jack-stones,

-which hurt her knuckles, and which she never could catch; but one must

-be polite in one's own house.

-

-"I say, you are funny ones!" said Val, who had thoroughly enjoyed his

-luncheon, and had now time to grasp the situation. Elizabeth's company

-manners amused him extremely, and the whole thing was "no end of a

-lark," as he expressed it.

-

-"Why don't you play something you don't play at home?" he asked. "Let's

-try 'Fish, flesh, or fowl,' or 'When I was in Spain,' or some other nice

-game?"

-

-Bella said nothing, but Eva Louise at last found her voice.

-

-"Ef we don't play jack-stones, we ain't agoin' to play nuthin'. We're

-agoin' home."

-

-Bella here nudged her sister's elbow.

-

-"We ain't agoin' home till we get our presents. Yer know what ma said."

-

-This aside was so plainly audible to the host and hostess, that

-Elizabeth looked shocked, but Val roared with laughter.

-

-"Very well," said Elizabeth; "we will play jack-stones."

-

-But at the first throw Val, in the exuberance of his feelings, tossed

-them so high that one landed on the table, right in the centre of one of

-Miss Herrick's delicate china plates, breaking it squarely in two.

-

-"My eye!" exclaimed the boy. "What have I done?"

-

-"Jack-stones are a hateful game, anyhow," cried Elizabeth, whose dismay

-caused her to forget her manners. "I don't know what Aunt Caroline will

-say. It is all your fault, Eva Louise, that Val broke the plate, for you

-made us play jack-stones."

-

-"'Tain't, neither," returned Eva Louise, with asperity. "No one didn't

-tell him to throw the jack up there. An' ef this is what yer call a

-party, I don't think much of it. We hev as good pie as that at home, an'

-we can get ice-cream o' the ice-cream man any day he comes round. I say,

-Bella, let us go home."

-

-But Bella still held back. Elizabeth looked at them for a moment in

-silent wrath, and then her feelings found words.

-

-"Well, I should be very glad indeed if you did go home. I think you are

-very rude girls. And I never knew you had ice-cream whenever you wanted

-it, and all those nice things."

-

-"No more we do," interposed Bella; "leastways, I never seen it. Eva

-Louise was makin' that up, I guess."

-

-"Oh, was she? Then she tells stories, does she? I don't want to have

-anything more to do with you. You are very, _very_ rude girls, and I am

-sorry I invited you to the party. I only asked you because you were

-halt."

-

-"I dun'no' what yer talkin' about," replied Eva Louise, as she put on

-her hat; "only I guess yer'd better not name me no names, or I'll hev

-yer 'rested. Halt! I ain't no halt;" and with her head held high as she

-proudly sniffed the air, she walked from the room. Bella still lingered.

-

-"Don't yer give no presents at yer party?" she asked.

-

-Elizabeth had already begun to repent of her hasty speech. She feared

-that she had been rude, and she felt that she must make amends.

-

-"Wait a minute," she said, flying up the short flight of stairs which

-led to her own room.

-

-Eva Louise delayed her departure, and Bella looked more hopeful.

-Valentine hovered in the background, wondering what was going to happen

-next.

-

-Presently Elizabeth returned. In one hand she held a silver calendar

-which had ornamented her desk, in the other a handsomely bound book.

-

-"These are all I can find," she said, bestowing one upon either guest.

-"You see, I have to give you things that are really my own, and not Aunt

-Caroline's or Aunt Rebecca's. Val, we will go down with them to the

-front door."

-

-The little procession in silence descended the two long double flights

-of stairs. The front door was opened for them, and the two visitors

-were about to depart, one carrying the silver calendar, which flashed

-gayly in a ray of sunlight, the other holding the large red-covered

-book.

-

-"Good-by!" they said, cheerfully, feeling mollified by the presents.

-

-"Good-by," returned Val and Elizabeth.

-

-And even as they spoke a carriage drew up at the door, and from it

-stepped Miss Herrick. She paused in astonishment, and looked at the two

-strange figures emerging from her own front door, and at the two

-frightened faces in the hall beyond.

-

-"What does this mean?" she asked, as she swept by them into the house

-and the door was closed.

-

-[TO BE CONTINUED.]

-

-

-

-

-THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.

-

-THE AMUSEMENT CLUB.

-

-BY EMMA J. GRAY.

-

-

-The sun was setting one afternoon in late September. The deep blue sky

-was dappled with rosy golden and white clouds, but a glance at the

-brown-stone houses opposite revealed the unhappy thought that we were

-once again in our old town-house. I tried to imagine I was mistaken;

-that the lapse of summer-time had never been; that, indeed, all the

-happy vacation had not drifted by; that the moss-grown bridges,

-low-hanging branches, and piny woods were yet to come; that I must be

-asleep and having a horrible nightmare.

-

-[Illustration]

-

-But, "Amy! Amy! Where are you?" woke up my foolish reverie, and "Will

-and I have been hunting all over for you!" were the half-annoyed words

-which followed, as my friend Irene Sloane and her brother stood before

-me in our second-floor front room.

-

-Irene was my most intimate friend; it was rare when a day passed without

-her being in my house or I in hers. Therefore the absence of ceremony in

-the hunt she had just made. Her brother, too, I had known always, and

-now that they had rushed in--for rushed is the only way to describe

-their entrance, so excited and all of a flutter they seemed--I forgot

-all about my foolish dreaming, and exclaimed, "Do sit down both of you,

-and tell what's up!"

-

-But Irene was too excited to sit down; she had come to tell a "splendid

-plan. And don't you think so, Will?" and it was "Mamma's idea," and much

-more of a similar purport, until Will, who had taken a chair, hastily

-rose, and with a most sober face and energetic manner, exclaimed:

-

-"Irene, what's the use of beating about the bush any longer? Tell Amy

-all about it, and then she'll have a chance to have her say too."

-

-"Well, the plan is to form an Amusement Club. It will seem awfully

-stupid to be at home after all our fun last summer. Don't you think so?"

-

-"Certainly I do, for I was thinking just before you came that we'd

-gotten back to hardtack sure enough; there seems nothing to look forward

-to but books and study."

-

-"Oh, hardtack fiddlestick! I'm ashamed of you both," interjected Will;

-"though I'm willing to admit," the boy continued, with a deep sigh, "it

-does come awfully hard to study after such a long loaf. But this

-Amusement Club will fix us up fine; it will give no end of jolly times,

-for, only think, we'll all meet once a week, or once a fortnight, and

-that will be amusement enough for one evening."

-

-"Do explain it, Will. I can't make any sense out of what you are trying

-to tell me."

-

-"Mamma will explain, for she said she would take charge of the first

-meeting."

-

-"Yes," interrupted Irene, and then excitedly tossing her two long braids

-back, "the first meeting is to be at our house next Saturday afternoon

-at three o'clock. What do you think of that for a starter?"

-

-"All right; only where do I come in? You haven't asked me yet?"

-

-"Aren't you ashamed to talk so, Amy De Nyse, when you know that not only

-are you expected to come, but to help Will and me invite all the other

-girls and boys?"

-

-"Which way could we invite them the easiest? And do you think you'd tell

-what they were invited for, or surprise them?"

-

-"I say, surprise them. Don't you, Will?" And Irene looked questioningly

-toward her brother; and as he nodded his head she continued, "But I'd

-tell them it's important and a secret."

-

-"Good! people are sure to be on hand if there's a secret around."

-

-"And as to the way of inviting them," Will said, "the best way would be

-to make a list of names, and then cut them apart, each take an equal

-number--or I don't care if I take one or two extra."

-

-"And you know what mamma said," his sister replied; "not to invite too

-many for the first meeting."

-

-"Now what do you think of the prospect, Amy?"

-

-"Capital! I've heard so much about clubs, that I've been wanting to join

-one for a long time."

-

-"And I too," exclaimed Irene.

-

-"An athletic club, you refer to, I suppose, running-matches, etc.," said

-mischievous Will as he pulled his sister's long braid, for he was a

-great tease, and knew that both Amy and Irene had lost at a

-running-match during the summer, and indeed they were anything else but

-athletes, taking far too kindly to hammocks, and lounging around

-generally.

-

-And after a little more merry conversation, in which "vacation" and

-"club" were prominent words, the brother and sister took their

-departure.

-

-Thus it was that the following Saturday afternoon found twenty jolly

-girls and boys seated in Irene Sloane's library. And what a chattering!

-Magpies were silent by contrast. Indeed, it was more like a riot than a

-meeting until Mrs. Sloane entered, when, presto! what a change! Not that

-she was feared, however, for, on the contrary, she was greatly beloved

-by all of her children's friends. It was only that the children were

-half awed, being so full of expectation, anticipating they knew not

-what, and also because the sudden presence of an older person always

-does result in changing the atmosphere of a room.

-

-A few moments after the cordial greetings were extended Mrs. Sloane

-explained the purpose of their meeting.

-

-For example, several of them had returned from vacation with scores of

-new ideas on the subject of entertaining; many new games and amusements

-had been learned. Now why not help others by teaching these. That each

-member, in fact, must pledge himself or herself to advance the cause of

-amusement by teaching a new game, charade, or something pertaining to

-entertainment once a month. And with that point in view, everybody must

-keep wide awake, and on the constant lookout. Also establish a habit of

-getting up novel entertainment and inventing games. Remember, somebody

-originated every game known.

-

-By being members of this club, each person would also receive help as to

-the management of business meetings, for, in the main, every business

-meeting was conducted in a similar manner, and as many middle-aged

-people did not understand even the ordinary duties of chairman, they

-could not do better than learn when young.

-

-One of the boys interrupted by inquiring if they might come to her for

-advice if they were in a quandary.

-

-"Certainly; any time," was the assured answer; "but I know I can trust

-everybody here to help one another;" and Mrs. Sloane looked thoughtfully

-around. "Indeed, I am confident you will all take so much pleasure out

-of this organization that you will wonder you had not started an

-amusement club before. You will be too proud to have failure;" and then,

-with a cordial smile, added, "you have too good comradeship to have

-discord."

-

-"Before we proceed to the election of officers, I wish to say I will

-stay in the chair this afternoon until about the time to adjourn, when

-your president will assume his position, and hereafter he will always be

-in charge of each meeting, unless necessarily absent, in which event the

-vice-president will act in his stead." Then, with a pleasant look around

-on all the upturned faces, Mrs. Sloane said, "We are now ready for the

-nominations for president."

-

-Several names were promptly mentioned, and as none of the nominees

-declined, they were voted upon by ballot. Mrs. Sloane named three boys

-to distribute and afterwards count the ballots.

-

-The ballot papers were very small, about three inches one way and two

-the other, and as they had been prepared beforehand, there was no

-hinderance. Therefore it was but the work of a few minutes to distribute

-a paper to each person, on which every one immediately wrote the name

-preferred. The ballots were then collected and counted; each nominee

-received some votes, but the largest number being for Will Sloane, he

-was announced as president. Whereupon one of the club immediately rose

-and said, "I move the vote to be made unanimous." This being seconded,

-Will Sloane's name was called amidst cheers, claps, and huzzahs, for the

-excitement was now too great for the children to keep altogether quiet.

-

-After this there followed the elections of vice-president, secretary,

-and treasurer, all being elected in a similar manner.

-

-There was also a board of directors added, consisting of eight people

-and the president. This board Mrs. Sloane selected, and of the eight

-named five were girls; the duty of the board being to talk over various

-questions affecting club work; for example, how money could be expended,

-whether entertainment would be given for charity--indeed, all matters of

-import. After such discussions by the board, the matter would be

-presented by one of its members at the first regular club meeting, and

-there acted upon.

-

-It was decided to hold the meetings every second Saturday evening at

-seven o'clock, and that no meeting could extend beyond one hour and a

-half; that the chairman would open the meetings promptly, and that

-twelve people would constitute a quorum. And any matter by them decided

-must be acceded to by the entire club.

-

-That the fee would be ten cents a week, paid regularly. That they should

-have more members; but Mrs. Sloane advised the number should be limited

-to thirty, as too great a number would be difficult to control.

-

-The duty of the treasurer would be to receive and keep a correct account

-of the reception and disbursement of money, and that he should give a

-report of the same at the first meeting of each month.

-

-The secretary should enroll the names and residences of the officers and

-members; he should write the minutes of each meeting, and read them at

-the following one.

-

-The order of conducting the meeting would be:

-

-Calling to Order; Secretary's Report; Treasurer's Report; Unfinished

-Business; New Business; Adjournment.

-

-As Mrs. Sloane now thought that the children were taxed enough for one

-day, and that they would enjoy an after-talk by themselves, she thanked

-the club for their courtesy, and with a most gracious smile towards her

-son, added, "I now have the pleasure of conducting you to the chair."

-

-[Illustration]

-

-This said, she stepped one side. He pleasantly bowed, and took the place

-made vacant by his mother.

-

-No sooner had she retired than Mrs. Sloane laughingly said, "I move we

-adjourn."

-

-When at once Amy De Nyse, who had been unusually quiet, jumped to her

-feet. "Before that motion is seconded, I move a vote of thanks to Mrs.

-Sloane," and she was about to add, "for her patience and goodness to us

-this afternoon," but her voice was drowned in the hearty ringing voices

-of the happy children who had now informally gathered about their

-leader, and each one thanked her warmly and heartily over and yet over

-again. And then were heard such expressions as, "You'll have to come to

-all of our entertainments," "Won't we have jolly fun practising the

-different charades, tableaux, and games?" and "When we get money enough,

-perhaps we can have a regular club-room, with a platform, curtain, and

-scenery."

-

-And that thought proved the inspiration for another and yet another,

-until one of the boys reached a grand climax by waving a handkerchief

-over his head and shouting: "I have a scheme. Let us get up specialties,

-and make a charge to show them. Why, this club may make us all rich

-yet!"

-

-

-

-

-Out on Long Island there is to-day an exceedingly angry farmer. He can

-usually be found nursing his wrath on the top of a rail-fence near his

-barn an hour before sunset. His big jack-knife digs deeply into the

-piece of wood it is whittling as the farmer emphasizes his wrath.

-

-"Talk about the benefit newspapers are to the country--bah!" he

-exclaims. "The other night I had all my chickens stole 'cept two, and

-that old town paper recorded it in big type, and let the whole country

-know about it in less than no time. What do you suppose the result was,

-eh? Why, the thieves that took them chicks thought they got them all,

-and when they read in the paper that two was left behind, what did they

-do but come around the very next night when I never expected them, and

-they took the other two. I don't see much use for newspapers that tells

-everything a thief wants to know."

-

-

-

-

-THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND.

-

-

-Many people doubtless know that upon the accession of a new monarch to

-the throne of England a new Seal is struck, and the old one is cut into

-four pieces and deposited in the Tower of London. In former times the

-fragments of these great Seals were distributed among certain poor

-people of religious houses. When her Majesty Queen Victoria ascended the

-throne of England, the late Benjamin Wyon, R.A., the chief engraver of

-her Majesty's Mint, designed the beautiful work of the present Great

-Seal of England. The details of the design are: obverse, an equestrian

-figure of the Queen attended by a page, her Majesty wearing over a habit

-a flowing and sumptuous robe, and a collar of the Order of the Garter.

-In her right hand she bears the sceptre, and on her head is placed a

-regal tiara. The attendant page, with his bonnet in his hand, looks up

-to the Queen, who is gracefully restraining the impatient charger, which

-is richly decorated with plumes and trappings. The legend "Victoria Dei

-Gratia Britainniarum Regina, Fidei Defensor," is engraved in Gothic

-letters, the spaces between the words being filled with heraldic roses.

-The reverse side of the Seal shows the Queen, royally robed and crowned,

-holding in her right hand the sceptre, and in her left the orb, seated

-upon a throne beneath a niched Gothic canopy; on each side is a figure

-of Justice and Religion; and in the exergue the royal arms and crown,

-the whole encircled by a wreath or border of oak and roses.

-

-The Seal itself is a silver mould in two parts, technically called a

-pair of dies. When an impression is to be taken or cast, the parts are

-closed to receive the melted wax, which is poured through an opening at

-the top of the Seal. As each impression is attached to a document by a

-ribbon or slip of parchment, its ends are put into the Seal before the

-wax is poured in, so that when the hard impression is taken from the

-dies the ribbon or parchment is neatly affixed to it. The impression of

-the Seal is six inches in diameter and three-fourths of an inch in

-thickness. The Great Seals of England are interesting from their bearing

-portraits of the sovereigns, as in the Seals of Offa and Ethelwolf, and

-that of Edgar with a bust in profile. After William I. all the Kings are

-on one side on horseback, the face turned to the right, except that of

-Charles I., which is turned to the left. Edward IV. first carries the

-close crown; Edward the Confessor and Henry I. and Henry II. are seated

-with the sword and dove. Wax was not uniformly used for Seals, as

-impressions occur in gold, silver, and lead, also in various other

-substances. The colors have varied, but red appears to have been the

-most ancient.

-

-

-

-

-THE VOYAGE OF THE "RATTLETRAP."

-

-BY HAYDEN CARRUTH.

-

-VI.

-

-Besides the cactus, another form of vegetation which began to attract

-more and more of Ollie's attention was the red tumbleweed. Indeed, Jack

-and I found ourselves interested in it also. The ordinary tumbleweed,

-green when growing, and gray when tumbling, had long been familiar to

-us, but the red variety was new. The old kind which we knew seldom grew

-more than two feet in diameter; it was usually almost exactly round, and

-with its finely branched limbs, was almost as solid as a big sponge, and

-when its short stem broke off at the top of the ground in the fall it

-would go bounding away across the prairie for miles. The red sort seemed

-to be much the same, except for its color and size. We saw many six or

-seven feet, perhaps more, in diameter, though they were rather flat, and

-not probably over three or four feet high.

-

-The first one we saw was on edge, and going at a great rate across the

-prairie, bounding high into the air, and acting as if it had quite gone

-crazy, as there was a strong wind blowing.

-

-"Look at that overgrown red tumbleweed!" exclaimed Jack. "I never saw

-anything like _that_ before. Jump on the pony, Ollie, and catch the

-varmint and bring it back here!"

-

-[Illustration: OLLIE AND THE TUMBLEWEED.]

-

-Ollie was willing enough to do this, and the pony was willing enough to

-go, so off they went. I think if the weed had had a fair field that

-Ollie would never have overtaken it, but it got caught in the long grass

-occasionally, and he soon came up to it. But the pony was not used to

-tumbleweed-coursing, and shied off with a startled snort. Ollie brought

-her about and made another attempt. But again the frightened pony ran

-around it. Half a dozen times this was repeated. At last she happened to

-dash around it on the wrong side just as it bounded into the air before

-the wind. It struck both horse and rider like a big dry-land wave, and

-Ollie seized it. If the poor pony had been frightened before, she was

-now terror-stricken, and gave a jump like a tiger, and shot away faster

-than we had ever seen her run before. Ollie had lost control of her, and

-could only cling to the saddle with one hand and hold to the big

-blundering weed with the other. Fortunately the pony ran toward the

-wagon. As they came up we could see little but tumbleweed and pony legs,

-and it looked like nothing so much as a hay-stack running away on its

-own legs. When the pony came up to the wagon, she stopped so suddenly

-that Ollie went over her head. But he still clung to the weed, and

-struck the ground inside of it. He jumped up, still in the weed, so that

-it now looked like a hay-stack on two legs. We pulled him out of it, and

-found him none the worse for his adventure. But he was a little

-frightened, and said:

-

-"I don't think I'll chase those things again, Uncle Jack--not with that

-pony."

-

-"Oh, that's all right, Ollie," said Jack. "I'm going to organize the

-Nebraska Cross-Country Tumbleweed Club, and you'll want to come to the

-meets. We'll give the weed one minute start, and the first man that

-catches it will get a prize of--of a watermelon, for instance."

-

-"Well, I think I'll take another horse before I try it," returned Ollie.

-

-"Might try Old Browny," I said. "If he ever came up to a tumbleweed he

-would lie right down on it and go to sleep."

-

-"Yes, and Blacky would hold it with one foot and eat it up," said Jack.

-"Unless he took a notion to turn around and kick it out of existence."

-

-We looked the queer plant over carefully, and found it so closely

-branched that it was impossible to see into it more than a few inches.

-The branches were tough and elastic, and when it was tossed up it would

-rebound from the ground several inches. But it was as light as a thistle

-ball, and when we turned it loose it rolled away across the prairie

-again as if nothing had happened.

-

-"They're bad things sometimes when there is a prairie fire," said Jack.

-"No matter how wide the fire-break may be, a blazing tumbleweed will

-often roll across it, and set fire to the grass beyond. They've been

-known to leap over streams of considerable width, too, or fall in the

-water and float across, still blazing. Two years ago the town of

-Frontenac was burned up by a tumbleweed, though the citizens had made an

-approved fire-break by ploughing two circles of furrows around their

-village and burning off the grass between them. These big red ones must

-be worse than the others. I believe," he went on, "that tumbleweeds

-might be used to carry messages, like carrier-pigeons. The next one we

-come across we'll try it."

-

-That afternoon we caught a fine specimen, and Jack securely fastened

-this message to it and turned it adrift:

-

-     "Schooner Rattletrap, September --, 188-: Latitude, 42.50;

-     Longitude, 99.35. To Whom it may Concern: From Prairie Flower,

-     bound for Deadwood. All well except Old Blacky, who has an

-     appetite."

-

-The night after our stop by the unfinished house we again camped on the

-open prairie, a quarter of a mile from a settler's house, where we got

-water for the horses. This house was really a "dugout," being more of a

-cellar than a house. It was built in the side of a little bank, the back

-of the sod roof level with the ground, and the front but two or three

-feet above it.

-

-"I'd be afraid, if I were living in it, that a heavy rain in the night

-might fill it up, and float the bed-stead, and bump my nose on the

-ceiling," said Jack.

-

-[Illustration: "CARRYING EVERYTHING THAT WAS LOOSE BEFORE IT."]

-

-It had been a warm afternoon, but when we went to bed it was cooler,

-though there was no wind stirring. The smoke of our camp-fire went

-straight up. There was no moon, but the sky was clear, and we remarked

-that we had not seen the stars look so bright any night before. The

-front of our wagon stood toward the northwest. We went to bed, but at

-two o'clock we were awakened by a most violent shaking of the cover. The

-wind was blowing a gale, and the whole top seemed about to be going by

-the board. We scrambled up, and I heard Jack's voice calling for me to

-come out. The cover bows were bent far over, and the canvas pressed in

-on the side to the southwest till it seemed as if it must burst. The

-front end of the top had gone out and was cracking in the wind. I crept

-forward, and as I did so I felt the wagon rise up on the windward side

-and bump back on the ground. I concluded we were doomed to a wreck, and

-called to Ollie to get out as fast as he could. I supposed a hard storm

-had struck us, but as I went over the dashboard I was astonished to see

-the stars shining as brightly as ever in the deep, dark sky. Jack was

-clinging to the rear wagon wheel on the windward side, which was all

-that had saved it from capsizing. He called to me to take hold of the

-tongue and steer the craft around with the stern to the gale. I did so,

-while he turned on the wheel. As it came around, the loose sides of the

-cover began to flutter and crack, while the puckering-string gave way,

-and the wind swept through the wagon, carrying everything that was loose

-before it, including Ollie, who was just getting over the dashboard. He

-was not hurt, but just then we heard a most pitiful yelping, as Jack's

-blankets and pillow went rolling away from where the wagon had stood. It

-was Snoozer going with them. The yelping disappeared in the darkness,

-and we heard frying-pans, tin plates, and other camp articles clattering

-away with the rest. The Rattletrap itself had tried to run before the

-gale, but I had put on the brake and stopped it. The three of us then

-crouched in front of it, and waited for the wind to blow itself out. We

-could see or hear nothing of the horses. There was not a cloud in sight,

-and the stars still shone down calmly and unruffled, while the wind cut

-and hissed through the long prairie grass all about us. It kept up for

-about ten minutes, when it began to stop as suddenly as it had begun. In

-twenty minutes there was nothing but a cool, gentle breeze coming out of

-the southwest. We lit the lantern and tried to gather up our things, but

-soon realized that we could not do much that night. We found the

-unfortunate Snoozer crouched in a little depression which was perhaps an

-old buffalo wallow, but could see nothing of the horses. We concluded to

-go to bed and wait for morning.

-

-When it came we found our things scattered for over a quarter of a mile.

-We recovered everything, though the wagon-seat was broken. The horses

-had come back, so we could not tell how far they had gone before the

-wind.

-

-"I've read about those night winds on the plains," said Jack, "and we'll

-look out for 'em in the future. We'll put an anchor on Snoozer at

-least."

-

-This intelligent animal had not forgotten his night's experience, and

-stuck closely in the wagon, where he even insisted on taking his

-breakfast.

-

-The road we were following was gradually drawing closer to the Niobrara,

-and we began to see scattering pine-trees, stunted and broken, along the

-heads of the cańons or ravines leading down to the river. There was less

-sand, and we made better progress. The country was but little settled,

-and game was more plentiful. We got two or three grouse. We went into

-camp at night at the head of what appeared to be a large cańon, under a

-tempest-tossed old pine-tree, through which the wind constantly sighed.

-There was no water, but we counted on getting it down the cańon. A man

-went by on horseback, driving some cattle, who told us that we would

-find a spring down about half a mile.

-

-"Can we get any hay down there?" I asked him. "We're out of feed for the

-horses, and the grass seems pretty poor here."

-

-"Down a mile beyond the spring I have a dozen stacks," answered the man,

-"and you're welcome to all you can bring up on your pony. Just go down

-and help yourselves."

-

-We thanked him and he went on. As soon as we could we started down. It

-was beginning to get dark, and grew darker rapidly as we went down the

-ravine, as its sides were high and the trees soon became numerous. There

-was no road, nothing but a mere cattle-path, steep and stony in many

-places. We found the spring and watered all the horses, left Blacky and

-Browny, and went on after the hay with the pony, Jack leading her, and

-Ollie and I walking ahead with the lantern. It seemed a long way as we

-stumbled along in the darkness, all the time down hill.

-

-"I guess that man wasn't so liberal as he seemed," said Jack. "The pony

-will be able to carry just about enough hay up here to make Snoozer a

-bed."

-

-We plunged on, till at last the path became a little nearer level. It

-crossed a small open tract and then wound among bushes and low trees.

-Suddenly we saw something gleam in the light of the lantern, and stopped

-right on the river's bank. The water looked deep and dark, though not

-very wide. The current was swift and eddying.

-

-"We've passed the hay," I said. "It must be on that open flat we

-crossed."

-

-We went back, and turning to the right, soon found it. I set the lantern

-down and began to pull hay from one of the stacks, when the pony made a

-sudden movement, struck the lantern with her foot, and smashed the globe

-to bits.

-

-"There," exclaimed Jack, "we'll have a fine time going up that

-badger-hole of a cańon in the dark!"

-

-But there was nothing else to do, and we made up two big bundles of hay,

-and tied them to the pony's back.

-

-"She'll think it's tumbleweeds," said Ollie.

-

-"If she'd headed in the right direction I hope she will," answered Jack.

-

-We started up, but it was a long and toilsome climb. In many places Jack

-and I had to get down on our hands and knees and feel out the path. The

-worst place was a scramble up a bank twenty feet high, and covered with

-loose stones. I was ahead. The heroic little pony with her unwieldy load

-sniffed at the prospect a little, and then started bravely up, "hanging

-on by her toe-nails," as Ollie said. When she was almost to the top she

-stepped on a loose stone, lost her footing, went over, and rolled away

-into the darkness and underbrush. Jack stumbled over a little of the hay

-which had come off in the path, hastily rolled up a torch, and lit it

-with a match. By this light we found the pony on her back, like a

-tumble-bug, with her load for a cushion and her feet in the air, and

-kicking wildly in every direction. While Ollie held the torch, Jack and

-I went to her rescue, and after a vast deal of pulling and lifting, got

-her to her feet just as the hay torch died out. Again she scrambled up

-the bank, and this time with success. We went on, found the other

-horses, and were soon at the wagon. We voted the pony all the hay she

-wanted, and went to bed tired.

-

-The next day, the ninth out from Yankton, though it was a long run,

-brought us to Valentine, the first town on the railroad which we had

-seen since leaving the former place. Before we reached it we went

-several miles along the upper ends of the cańons, down a long hill so

-steep that we had to chain both hind wheels, forded the Niobrara twice,

-followed the river several miles, went out across the military

-reservation, which was like a desert, saw six or eight hundred negro

-soldiers at Fort Niobrara, and finally drove through Valentine, and went

-into camp a mile west of town. On the way we saw thousands of the

-biggest and reddest tumbleweeds, and two or three new sorts of cactus.

-The colored troops surprised Ollie, as he had never seen any before.

-

-"It's the western winds and the hot sun that's tanned those soldiers,"

-said Jack. "We'll look just that way, too, before we get back."

-

-Ollie was half inclined to believe this astonishing statement at first,

-but concluded that his uncle was joking.

-

-We went into camp on the banks of the Minichaduza River, a little brook

-which flows into the Niobrara from the northwest. It gurgled and bubbled

-all night almost under our wheels. A man stopped to chat with us as we

-sat around our camp-fire after supper. We told him of our experience in

-getting the hay the night before. He laughed and said:

-

-"Ever steal any of your horse feed?"

-

-"We haven't yet," answered Jack. "We try to be reasonably honest."

-

-[Illustration: THE YOUNG FELLOW WILTED RIGHT DOWN ON THE GROUND.]

-

-"Some don't, though," replied the man. "Most of 'em that are going West

-in a covered wagon seem to think corn in the field is public property. A

-fellow camped right here one afternoon last fall. He was out of feed,

-and took a grain sack on one arm and a big Winchester rifle on the

-other, and went over to old Brown's corn-field. He took the gun along

-not to shoot anybody, but to sort of intimidate Brown if he should catch

-him. Suddenly he saw an old fellow coming toward him carrying a gun

-about a foot longer than his own. The young fellow wilted right down on

-the ground and never moved. He happened to go down on a big prickly

-cactus, but he never stirred, cactus or no cactus. He thought Brown had

-caught him, and that he was done for. The old man kept coming nearer and

-nearer. He was almost to him. The young fellow concluded to make a brave

-fight. So he jumped up and yelled. The old man dropped his gun and ran

-like a scared wolf. Then the young fellow noticed that the other also

-had a sack in which he had been gathering corn. He called him back, they

-saw that they were both thieves, shook hands, and went ahead and robbed

-old Brown together."

-

-The man got up to go. "Well, good-night, boys," he said. "Rest as hard

-as you can to-morrow. You'll strike into the sand hills at about nine

-o'clock Monday morning. Take three days' feed, and every drop of water

-you can carry; and if you waste any of it washing your hands you're

-bigger fools than I think you are."

-

-[TO BE CONTINUED.]

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT]

-

-     [_The series of four papers on the Science of Football, by Mr.

-     W. H. Lewis of the Harvard Football Team of 1893, begun in this

-     Department last week, is continued in the present issue._]

-

-

-The subject of position-play in football may best be covered by taking

-up and discussing each individual of the team in turn. The end rusher,

-therefore, should be chosen for agility, speed, endurance, and good

-judgment. The first three qualifications are necessary to enable him to

-avoid, break up, and worm his way into, through, or around the

-interference, tackle into its very midst, or take advantage of

-occasional fumbles. His duty on the offensive, or when his own side has

-the ball, will depend upon his assignment in the particular play.

-Generally the end should stand much nearer his tackle when on the

-offensive, so as to be able to get into every play. In plays through

-tackle and end, or around the end on his own side of the line, he may

-help the tackle to block or pocket the opposing tackle. If a half-back

-comes into the line between tackle and end, the end should remember to

-take the inside man, as he is the more dangerous, because uncovered and

-nearest to the play.

-

-[Illustration: FIG. 1.]

-

-The great bulk of the end's work comes in the defensive game. He is to

-prevent the long runs or open plays. He should never run behind his own

-line, because of the danger of leaving his side of the line open to

-criss-cross or some trick play. The end's primary duty is to turn the

-runner in. He therefore should go in as quickly and on as sharp an angle

-as possible, so that he can meet the interference before it gets well

-formed and started. He should take the direction of A D (shown in Fig.

-1), A B C if he must, but never A E. If the opposing end plays up in the

-line opposite him, the only direction possible will be A B C.

-

-He should meet the interference with body well forward, the arms

-extended straight and stiff, so as not to be hit by the interference,

-being careful to keep a little to the outside of it. In plays through

-the middle of the line, or pile up, the ends should keep out of the

-scrimmage, so as to be sure that the runner does not come out of the

-pile.

-

-_Tackle._--If there is any one position in the line harder to play than

-another, that position is tackle. The tackle must look out for territory

-on both sides of him, and be ready to help either guard or end, as the

-emergency requires. The great majority of the plays are aimed at him.

-His constant study must be how to meet each particular play in every

-style of offence. He should stand about four feet from his guard, and

-should not allow himself to be drawn out further than six feet; the

-wider his line is drawn out, the weaker it will be and the more

-territory he will have to cover. The offensive work of the tackle

-depends largely upon the play and his assignment in it. In blocking he

-should always take the man nearest the centre, as he is the nearest to

-the starting-point of the play, and therefore the most dangerous. In

-that case he should call in his guard to take his man. On plays through

-and around the other side of the line, the tackle should momentarily

-block his man, and then get into the push or interference.

-

-When the tackle himself takes the ball, he should be careful not to give

-his intention away. He should, without notice, shift his position and

-bring his feet pretty close together, to enable him to start quickly. He

-should take off by giving his tackle a push in his chest with the open

-hand. The end should go into the opposing tackle the moment his tackle

-takes off, so as to prevent his opponent from following. When his own

-side is going to kick, the tackle should block his man long enough to

-prevent his stopping the kick, and then get down the field so as to help

-the ends prevent a return. The tackle should go nearly straight, so as

-to protect the centre of the field, the ends taking care of the sides.

-

-The great bulk of the tackle's work is on the defensive. His duty is to

-tackle everything in sight. Clean, sharp breaking through is imperative

-in a tackle. The first thing a tackle should do when he steps into the

-line on the defence, is to notice his opponent's style of blocking, and

-adapt his method of breaking through accordingly.

-

-Plays directed on the tackle call for great judgment and great strength.

-The tackle should, if possible, shove his man back and into the play.

-His next best plan to meet it is to go down in front of it good and

-stiff and pile it up. He should go into the mass head and shoulders or

-sideways, but never upon any pretext turn his back to it. In defending

-his territory against trick plays, the best and only advice that can be

-given to a tackle is to keep the eyes open, notice the alignments of the

-opposing back's, the way they stand, their facial expression, and

-movement, and try to divine which way the ball is going. When the

-opposing side is going to kick, the tackle should spread a little so as

-to give himself a better chance of getting through.

-

-_Guard._--The two guards and the centre make up the proverbial stone

-wall into which the opposing backs are supposed to ram their heads to no

-effect.

-

-A guard should stand with the foot next to centre forward if possible,

-but if a man starts quicker with that foot back, why, stand that way. He

-should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn out too far from the

-centre. If his man goes out far he should tell the quarter-back, and

-have him send a play through guard and centre, and his opponent will

-probably move in again. As long as the inner foot of the opposite guard

-is inside of the outer foot of the guard blocking, the latter ought to

-be able to take him the moment the ball starts, and run him out to the

-side lines. The guard should also keep a sharp lookout for the opposing

-quarter, and if he comes up into the line between him and centre, push

-him out with open hand.

-

-[Illustration: FIG. 2.]

-

-After having made a hole if called for, or blocked his man, the next

-duty of the guard is to get into the push or interference himself. Get

-hold of the runner; if possible, pull him along. Give him a chance to

-use you in warding off would-be tacklers. One of the first duties of a

-guard is to line up quickly. He should be right beside his centre the

-moment the ball is down. The play cannot start without some one to guard

-it. When his side is going to kick, the guard should move in close to

-the centre so that no little quarter or stray back can come through and

-stop the kick. He must block well, and almost until he hears the ball

-booted, because the path through the centre is the straightest line,

-and hence the shortest distance to the kicker, as will be seen in Fig.

-3, line A B. The exact moment when he can let his man through must be

-determined by the quickness of the man in front of him and the kicker,

-as will be seen in Fig. 3. After having blocked long enough to insure

-the kicks getting away, he should get down the field with the other

-forwards to help prevent return of the ball.

-

-[Illustration: FIG. 3.]

-

-On the defense there is an immense amount of hard work for the guard. He

-is primarily responsible for the ground between him and tackle, and

-secondarily for that between him and centre. In going through, this fact

-should be kept in mind. The fact that a guard must stand lower than

-tackle, and has less and different kind of territory to cover, will

-prevent him ordinarily from using as many methods of breaking through as

-a tackle. He must take some method of getting through that will enable

-him to use the body of his opponent to cover the territory between him

-and centre, and to enable him to get out and back up tackle, and that

-will put him through back to back with his man before the runner reaches

-the line.

-

-_Centre Rush._--The position of centre rush is comparatively a new one.

-Until a few years ago the middle position in the line was occupied by a

-snap-back, whose only duty was to put the ball in play. After that he

-was merely a passenger. From the snap-back the centre rush has been

-evolved by gradual enlargement of his duties. To-day he is chief of

-forwards, there being no duplicate to his position, as there is of

-tackle and guard. Every play starts from the centre rush, and depends

-upon him for a large share of its success or failure. The position is

-one requiring painstaking, conscientious hard work, admitting of very

-little glory, although the centre handles the ball more than any other

-player. On the offensive, the first duty of the centre rush is to put

-the ball in play. Much depends upon this. The team can play no faster

-than he does. If he is slow, the whole thing is slow. He must follow the

-ball closely, and the moment it is down, take it from his back and put

-it down for the next play. When the ball goes out of bounds, he must be

-the first man on the side lines, to take it in on the jump for the next

-play. The line forms on him, and to have his team line up quickly he

-must be doubly quick.

-

-To snap the ball back, the body should be just low enough to reach the

-ball with the snapping arm, and no lower nor higher. The distance

-between the forward and rear foot must be obtained by practice. The rear

-one, in general, should be just far enough back to give him a good

-start. The centre should straddle only enough to keep from wobbling from

-side to side. The centre should never stand flat-footed. The feet should

-be at right angles to the gridiron lines. The position is much like that

-of a sprinter on his mark, as is shown in Fig. 2.

-

-_Different Methods of Snapping._--First, the flat, or side, snap, or

-snap on the longer axis of the ball. Place the ball upon the ground

-about two inches from the forward foot. Turn the lacing in. Have the

-seams of the ball parallel with the gridiron lines. Take a firm grip of

-the ball. Let the fingers be well over the front of it. The ball is sent

-back to the quarter with a downward motion of the wrist and arm. Place

-the ball as far under you as possible; it shortens the distance. The

-advantage of the side snap is that the snapper can balance himself

-partly on the ball, so that he can ofttimes put the ball into play under

-very trying circumstances.

-

-Second, the end-over-end, or snap on the shorter axis. This snap is in

-most general use at present. It requires more skill in handling than the

-other. It has the advantage that it is quicker when well executed, and

-enables the quarter to be of considerably more aid in the interference.

-To use this style of snapping, place the ball on the end, the head out a

-little, although the exact angle must be acquired by practice. The ball

-is put into play by a delicate wrist motion back and downward.

-

-The defensive-work of the centre is almost illimitable. He can be of as

-much or of as little use to his side as he has a mind to. He has more

-opportunity for brilliant tackles than any other man on his side, for

-the sole reason that he is not expected to do anything, and is the

-unaccounted-for man. His own man is handicapped by having to snap the

-ball, and he has no other assignment except that man. He should remain

-in his position long enough to see whether the play is coming at him or

-not. This will, of course, be determined by his shrewdness in guessing

-the play. If the play is at him, by keeping his man away from him, he

-can get under and into either hole. If his own position is not attacked,

-he should take the hole nearest the runner. He can often go through

-between guard and centre by having his guard break to the outside, and

-the opposing guard, following him, makes the hole for centre to go

-through.

-

-_The Half-Back._--The function of the half-back is to carry the ball.

-The advance into the enemy's territory must be made by him, except that

-a tackle may occasionally be called on for a run. The position is a

-difficult, trying, and exhausting one. The back must be sent time and

-again without let-up. With reference to his own proper function, a

-half-back should be chosen for speed, endurance, sand, and a cool, quick

-judgment. There are two distinct styles of backs--the "plunging back"

-and the "wrigglers," or "dodgers." It is desirable to have one of each

-upon a team. The former is better in line-breaking as a rule, and the

-latter excels in "broken fields" and end-running. The backs should be

-drilled carefully in the Fundamentals, especially those connected with

-their immediate duties, such as tossing, catching, kicking, and

-tackling. Standing starts and short dashes are also invaluable as

-preliminary practice.

-

-As to the form of the half-back, it should be such as will not give away

-the direction in which he intends to run, yet such as will enable him to

-start at once upon the snap of the ball or signal. Many of the best

-backs give away the point of attack by unconscious glances and

-movements, things that should be studiously avoided. False starts are

-also to be guarded against, as they spoil the whole play and slow up the

-game. The backs should take, as far as possible, the same position in

-the given play every time. The body should be angular in form and

-carried well forward, much like the position of the standing start of a

-sprinter, with this difference, that the rear foot should not be quite

-so far back. The position must be one in which the backs can start

-quickly in either direction. Backs generally stand perfectly square,

-with toes of both feet on a line. Before they can get away from that

-position they must take either a short step back or forward. This step

-is unnecessary and shows a man up.

-

-In going through the line, the general rule is to go low. In running

-low, the runner should bend his neck so that he can see and take his

-holes cleanly. When going through the middle of the line, it is best to

-carry the ball in both hands. Take the ball in the pit of the stomach,

-the legs and trunk forming a basket or angle, and then grapple it to you

-with both hands. Do not carry the ball too far under the arm. The ball

-should be carried so that it may be shifted in order to use the nearest

-arm to ward off would-be tacklers. It is surprising how many tacklers

-can be warded off by using that arm like a piston-rod against every man

-that comes up. In line-breaking, the back should remember to keep his

-feet and fight for the last inch of ground. If he can only keep his feet

-and give his own side a chance to push, he is bound to gain ground.

-

-_Full-Back._--No player has _cut so much ice_ in the winning or losing

-of big matches in the last two seasons as the full-back. The holding of

-big teams to small scores by inferior ones has been largely owing to

-good men in this position. Hence the growing appreciation of the demands

-of this position and its vital importance to the success of the eleven.

-Kicking to-day has come to be a part of the offensive game, and the

-full-back, consequently, the biggest ground-gainer of all the backs. The

-full-back should be chosen almost solely for his ability to kick. Other

-qualifications are desirable, to be sure, but the ability to kick is the

-prime requisite. The preliminary training of the full-back should be one

-continuous kick.

-

-[Illustration: FIG. 4.]

-

-The position of the full-back on the offence will be generally midway

-between the two backs, or a little in advance of them, near enough to

-touch either with the out-stretched arm. In runs around the end the

-full-back will generally be called on either to lead the interference or

-to block some particular player on the other side--a half-back or an

-end, most likely. In bucking the centre, the full-back should put his

-head down and go low and hard. He should make up his mind where he is

-going, and then go there without halting and hesitating. While as a

-general rule it is hard to gain through a good centre, a short gain

-through that territory is all the more valuable. The line through the

-centre is a straight line, and therefore the shortest distance to the

-required five yards, as will be seen in Fig. 4, the base of a

-right-angled triangle being always shorter than the hypothenuse.

-

-_The Quarter-Back._--The first essential qualification of a quarter-back

-is brains. He should be able to take in a situation at a glance, to

-think quickly, and to put that thought into execution at once. He should

-be cool without being deliberate, enthusiastic without being excitable.

-He should be brimful of nervous force and energy and of tireless

-activity. He should be absolutely fearless, and of positive force of

-character. The quarter-back should have constant, painstaking practice

-in handling and passing the ball. All spare moments on and off the field

-can most profitably be put in by him in receiving the snap from his

-centre and passing to some back. By that practice he gets used to his

-centre and learns intuitively when and where the ball will come every

-time.

-

-The two ways commonly used in putting the ball into play are the "end"

-and "flap" snap. Take the position of quarter in receiving the "flap"

-snap first: The quarter stands, or rather kneels without touching his

-knees, close up behind the centre, about a foot from him.

-

-The position is such that he can start quickly in the opposite direction

-from the one he is facing to receive the ball. Turning to the rear is

-easily and quickly done by using the balls of the feet as a pivot and

-swinging the body around on them. The ball should be picked up cleanly.

-It ought to require no more changing to throw than a baseball. The ball

-is picked up with the fingers over one end of it, the other end is bound

-to point along the arm, and thus it is ready for throwing. When the ball

-is snapped end over end, the quarter-back takes an entirely different

-position. He should stand squarely behind the centre, both feet being

-nearly on a line. He should stand near enough to take the ball on the

-first bound just the moment before the ball reaches the point where it

-begins to fall. His distance is about from two to three feet.

-

-Upon the defence, the quarter with the other two backs form a kind of

-second rush-line. The play of the quarter-back on the defence, unless

-some special assignment is made him, is that of a free lance, a pirate

-to mix up things generally and break through where he is least expected.

-He generally stands behind the centre, and the moment the play starts,

-takes the nearest hole. Oft-times the guard and centre can make a hole

-to let the quarter through.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-When an individual enters a competition which is held by any association

-for the purpose of determining which player has the strongest claim, by

-reason of his skill, to represent that association at a competition to

-be held by some other (and, usually, greater) organization at some

-future date, he takes upon himself, as a man of honor, the obligation,

-in case he wins, of representing the first body in the contest to be

-held by the second body. This more or less ethical and undoubtedly wordy

-definition I hope is clear; but in case it is not, let me put it in

-another and possibly more colloquial way: If the Scholastic School holds

-a golf tournament for the purpose of selecting a man to represent the

-Scholastic School at the University College golf tournament, every man

-who _enters_ the Scholastic School tournament pledges himself (in

-spirit, of course, he being an honorable amateur), in case he is a

-winner, to appear and compete, to the best of his ability, at the

-University College golf tournament as the representative of his school.

-

-In other words, any person who wins at a preliminary event, and fails to

-fulfil at the final contest the obligations he has thus assumed, is

-guilty of a breach of faith. He is guilty of a breach of faith unless he

-is physically unable to stand the bodily strain of the contest he has

-entered for, and in such a case he should at once notify both the body

-he represents (that it may send a substitute if it chooses) and the

-officers of the organization for whose competition he is entered, that

-the latter may not be placed in a false position toward the public and

-the other competitors.

-

-Mr. C. W. Beggs, of the Lawrenceville School, entered the Princeton

-Interscholastic Tennis Tournament as a representative of

-Lawrenceville--and won. By this victory Mr. Beggs became Princeton's

-representative at the National Interscholastic Tennis Tournament to be

-held at Newport, and accepted the obligation and responsibility of

-representing Princeton on that occasion, just as fully and as

-unequivocally as a football-player or a baseball-player accepts the

-responsibility of playing his position in the final match game of the

-season when he earns a place on his school's eleven or nine. Mr. Beggs

-did not fulfil his obligations toward Princeton. He did not appear at

-Newport on the day of the tournament, and, so far as I am able to learn,

-he did not notify the officers of the national event of his intended and

-perhaps entirely unavoidable absence.

-

-By acting in this manner he disarranged the programme of the national

-event, he lessened the interest in the play of the tournament, and he

-deprived Princeton of a possible victory. It is possible that Mr. Beggs

-was prevented by illness from appearing on the courts at Newport, but

-illness alone can be accepted as a valid excuse for his absence. Having

-undertaken to be present, not travels nor "occasions of a life-time"

-should have kept him away--should have allowed him to break his faith.

-

-These few words are not aimed in censure at Mr. Beggs. He is not alone

-in such conduct. But he is a vivid example of an unsportsmanlike act

-(unsportsmanlike unless he had the excuse of illness, and, even so,

-inconsiderate if he did not notify the National L.T.A., and it does not

-appear that he did), and the ethics of sport can only be taught to most

-of us by the display of a striking example. The interests of

-interscholastic sport may best be maintained by a strict adherence to

-obligations assumed.

-

-"TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL."--ILLUSTRATED.--8VO, CLOTH, ORNAMENTAL,

-$1.25.

-

-  THE GRADUATE.

-

-

-

-

-ADVERTISEMENTS.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: ROYAL BAKING POWDER]

-

-A cream-of-tartar baking powder. Highest of all in leavening

-strength.--_Latest United States Government Food Report._

-

-ROYAL BAKING POWDER CO., NEW YORK.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: THOMPSON'S EYE WATER]

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: BICYCLING]

-

-     This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the

-     Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our

-     maps and tours contain many valuable data kindly supplied from the

-     official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen.

-     Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L.A.W., the

-     Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership

-     blanks and information so far as possible.

-

-

-[Illustration: Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers.]

-

-The route given in the next three weeks will be one of the best trips in

-the vicinity of Chicago, extending from Chicago itself to Joliet, thence

-to Ottawa, and thence to La Salle, and return. Like the great majority

-of trips taken from Chicago, this one depends largely upon the time at

-the rider's disposal, for you may either start from Chicago itself, or

-if the time is too short you can take the train for Ottawa and ride from

-there, or it is possible to get off the train at Joliet and ride on. But

-if time is not so important a matter, it is by all means best to ride

-all the way from Chicago. A choice of roads leads out of the city. You

-can go by the Archer Road to Joliet viâ Summit, Mount Forest, Willow

-Springs, Sag, Lemont, Romeo, and Lockport. In going the other way, take

-the Washington Boulevard west to Des Plaines Avenue, and then south to

-Riverside. This route leads along the old Illinois-Michigan Canal, Des

-Plaines River, and the new drainage canal, and it gives an excellent

-opportunity for you to examine the work on this large engineering

-undertaking.

-

-There is still one other route to Joliet, which is a good road if the

-weather is good, but which after rain it would be unwise to attempt.

-This route is as follows: Start south on Western Avenue, or go down

-through Pullman City, turning westward to arrive at Blue Island. Here it

-will be necessary to make inquiry for the Blue Island and Orland Road,

-which runs southwest through Orland Station on the Wabash railway to

-Joliet. Part of this secondary route is not on the map, but it can be

-traced from Orland through Alpine, Hadley, and on into Joliet. The most

-attractive route, however, is the second one--that is, through

-Riverside, Summit, Willow Springs, etc.

-

-On this first stage to Joliet the road to Summit is easily found, except

-that on passing through Summit a sharp turn to the left should be made,

-instead of crossing the track and the canal, up a hill, the road then

-being perfectly clear through Mount Forest and Willow Springs to Sag

-Station, with one hill about midway between the two latter places. At

-Sag Station turn to the left and run down to Sag, less than a mile away;

-then, turning sharply to the right, run to Lemont. Thence, keeping

-always on the southern and eastern side of the tracks and the river,

-follow the road to Romeo, with a hill as you enter the town, and run

-thence through Lockport to Joliet. The distance is close upon forty

-miles. If the trip is made in a day, a good place to stop is at Sag. If,

-however, the wheelman decides to run to Ottawa in one day, Joliet would

-make a stop a little less than half the distance; though this run to

-Ottawa of about ninety miles is a little too much for the average rider,

-and Joliet being a good place to stop overnight, he is advised to make a

-two days' trip of the journey. In case Joliet is too far, there is a

-good hotel at Lockport, six or seven miles nearer Chicago than Joliet,

-and the stop might be made there, although that leaves a long ride for

-the next day.

-

-     NOTE.--Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of

-     route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford,

-     Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New

-     Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814.

-     Brooklyn to Babylon in No. 815. Brooklyn to Northport in No. 816.

-     Tarrytown to Poughkeepsie in No. 817. Poughkeepsie to Hudson in No.

-     818. Hudson to Albany in No. 819. Tottenville to Trenton in No.

-     820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822.

-     Philadelphia-Wissahickon Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West

-     Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City--First Stage in

-     No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland--First

-     Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. New York to

-     Boston--Second Stage in No. 829. Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth

-     Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833.

-     Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to

-     Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to

-     New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839.

-     Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to

-     Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843.

-     Philadelphia to Washington--First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in

-     No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth

-     Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in

-     No. 854; Albany to Fonda in No 855; Fonda to Utica in No. 856;

-     Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons

-     to Rochester in No. 859; Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia

-     to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown

-     to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866; Hartford

-     to Springfield in No. 867; Hartford to Canaan in No 868; Canaan to

-     Pittsfield in No. 869; Hudson to Pittsfield in No. 870. City of

-     Chicago in No. 874. Waukesha to Oconomowoc in No. 875; Chicago to

-     Wheeling in No. 876; Wheeling to Lippencott's in No 877;

-     Lippencott's to Waukesha in No. 878; Waukesha to Milwaukee in No.

-     879.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: THE CAMERA CLUB]

-

-     Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly

-     answered by the Editor of this column and we should be glad to hear

-     from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.

-

-

-HOW TO SALT PAPER.

-

-Salting paper is the process by which photographic paper is coated with

-chloride of sodium (common salt), chloride of ammonium, or chloride of

-barium, and salted paper is pure photographic paper which has been

-immersed or floated in a salting-bath and then dried. Paper prepared

-especially for photographic use is the best; but paper which is free

-from impurities may be used. Whatman's drawing-paper is a good paper.

-The paper is first salted, and when dry the sensitizing solution is

-applied.

-

-To salt paper with chloride of sodium, take 20 oz. of water and 30 grs.

-of common salt; dissolve the salt in the water and filter; put this

-solution in a flat dish larger than the sheets of paper to be salted.

-Select the smoothest side of the paper, and turn back two corners

-diagonally opposite to each other. Take hold of the paper by these

-corners and lower the sheet of paper gently into the solution. See that

-every portion of the surface is thoroughly wet, but do not let the paper

-touch the bottom of the dish. Let it remain in the solution for one

-minute; then, if it appears to be thoroughly covered, pin it up to dry,

-with the side which was salted turned outward. To sensitize this paper,

-take nitrate of silver, 1/2-oz., and water, 10 oz. After it is dissolved

-take out 3 oz., and to the remaining 7 oz. add strong ammonia-water,

-drop by drop. A brownish precipitate will form, but keep adding the

-ammonia till the solution is nearly or quite clear, then turn in the

-other 3 oz. and filter. This solution may be put in a flat dish, and the

-paper be sensitized by floating it on the solution, or it may be spread

-on with a brush, according to directions given in No. 869.

-

-To salt paper with chloride of ammonium make a solution as follows:

-

-  Chloride of Ammonium     32 grs.

-  Water                     4 oz.

-  Gelatine                  8 grs.

-

-Put the gelatine in the water, and set the vessel containing it in a

-dish of hot water until the gelatine is dissolved. When it is cold add

-the chloride of ammonium, and either float according to directions just

-given, or apply the solution with a brush.

-

-To sensitize, take 1 oz. of water and 60 grs. of nitrate of silver.

-Dissolve thoroughly and brush the paper with this solution. Brush evenly

-and lightly both ways of the paper, so as to avoid a streaked

-appearance. Print and tone the same as for aristo prints. The combined

-toning-bath gives good results. The tone of the prints closely resembles

-platinum prints.

-

-Another process for salting paper is:

-

-  Chloride of Ammonium       3 grs.

-  Chloride of Sodium         3 grs.

-  Water                      2 oz.

-

-Apply this solution with a brush, or float the paper on the bath. To

-sensitize, take 60 grs. of nitrate of silver and 1 oz. of water. Add

-ammonia-water, drop by drop, till 25 drops have been used. The solution

-at first turns muddy, but continue dropping the ammonia till it clears.

-If it does not clear after the 25 drops have been added clear by

-filtering. Sensitize as per former directions.

-

-This paper is very easily prepared, is inexpensive, and gives fine

-delicate prints. Do not print much deeper than is desired for the

-finished print. One may use a toning and fixing bath combined, or a

-separate toning and fixing bath may be used.

-

-One can sensitize a strip at the head of a letter or a corner of a

-visiting-card; and print the same as any paper.

-

-The paper can be bought ready salted, but it is not always fresh. It is

-very little trouble to salt paper and to sensitize it, and the cost is

-much less than when paper is bought ready prepared. The plain paper

-should be used within two or three days after sensitizing with the

-silver, but the salted paper keeps well, and may be sensitized as

-needed.

-

-Mark the sensitized paper on the wrong side lightly, as it is hard to

-distinguish the sensitive side. When dry these prints are so flat and

-the paper is so thin that they make nice book illustrations.

-

-     SIR KNIGHTS FRED. W. LONG and FRED. D. ROSE wish to know in what

-     numbers of the ROUND TABLE the "Papers for Beginners" may be found.

-     In Nos. 812, 813, 814, 816, 817, 818, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826,

-     832, 838, 840, and 842. See also the late numbers for "Chemistry

-     for Amateur Photographers."

-

-     E. LESTER CROCKER, Tarrytown-on-Hudson, New York, wishes to be

-     enrolled as a member of the Camera Club.

-

-

-

-

-ILL-TEMPERED BABIES

-

-are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill

-temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and

-digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most

-successful of all infant foods.--[_Adv._]

-

-

-

-

-ADVERTISEMENTS.

-

-

-

-

-Columbia

-

-Bicycles

-

-LEAD THE WORLD.

-

-No competition has been able to shake the hold of Columbia Bicycles on

-the wheeling public. It is the natural reward of unequalled experience,

-materials, workmanship and facilities. To enjoy the highest delight of

-bicycling you must ride the Columbia.

-

-Standard of the World

-

-$100 TO ALL ALIKE.

-

-POPE MFG. CO., Hartford, Conn.

-

-Columbia Art Catalogue free from all branch houses and agents, or will

-be sent by mail for two 2-cent stamps.

-

-

-

-

-WALTER BAKER & CO., LIMITED.

-

-Established Dorchester, Mass., 1780.

-

-Breakfast Cocoa

-

-[Illustration]

-

-Always ask for Walter Baker & Co.'s

-

-Breakfast Cocoa

-

-Made at

-

-DORCHESTER, MASS.

-

-It bears their Trade Mark

-

-"La Belle Chocolatiere" on every can.

-

-Beware of Imitations.

-

-

-

-

-Postage Stamps, &c.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: STAMPS]

-

-100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c., 200 all dif. Hayti,

-Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. Lint FREE! =C. A.

-Stegmann=, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo

-

-

-

-

-STAMPS

-

-=10= stamps and large list =FREE!=

-

-L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.

-

-

-

-

-STAMPS on Approval! 50% disct. _List free._

-

-W. C. Shields, 30 Sorauren Ave., Toronto, Canada.

-

-

-

-

-110 Foreign Stamps, Liberia, Borneo, Mexico, etc., 5c. H. L. ASHFIELD,

-767 Prospect Ave., N.Y.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: THOMPSON'S EYE WATER]

-

-

-

-

-Reader: Have you seen the

-

-[Illustration: Franklin]

-

-It is a Collection which no one who loves music should fail to own; it

-should find a place in every home. Never before, it may truthfully be

-said, has a song book been published at once so cheap, so good, and so

-complete.--_Colorado Springs Gazette._

-

-[Illustration: Square]

-

-This Song Collection is one of the most notable enterprises of the kind

-attempted by any publisher. The brief sketches and histories of the

-leading productions in the work add greatly to the value of the

-series.--_Troy Times._

-

-[Illustration: Collection?]

-

-Sold Everywhere. Eight Numbers. Price, 50 cents each; Cloth, $1.00. Full

-contents, with Specimen Pages, mailed, without cost, on application to

-=Harper & Brothers, New York=.

-

-

-

-

-From Calamus to Quill.

-

-     It is most interesting to trace the evolution of the pen, beginning

-     with the _calamus_ and _stilus_--the reed and erasing bodkin--and

-     ending with a fountain-pen of the most improved make. In ancient

-     days great care was taken in the selection of the choicest reeds,

-     the best-cured parchment, and the daintiest waxen tablets. Egypt

-     grew the best reeds, though they were also found in Armenia,

-     Persia, and Italy. The modern Turks and Moors prize the Persian

-     reeds above all others, splitting the points in the same manner as

-     our grandfathers prepared their goose-quills. The oldest account

-     known respecting quills is found in a work of St. Isidore's, who

-     died in 636. Alcuinus, who lived in England, speaks of his pen, so

-     the familiar article must have been in use almost as long as the

-     art of writing was known in the country. Perhaps steel pens would

-     have been more popular when first introduced if all had known that

-     the quills were pulled from the living geese!

-

-     Dr. Warner told his stationer that with one quill pen, old when he

-     took it up, he wrote an "ecclesiastical history," two volumes

-     folio, and a "dissertation on the Book of Common Prayer," both

-     first and final draughts. Byron wrote the "Bride of Abydos" in one

-     night, without once mending his quill, while Andrew Borde,

-     physician to Henry VIII., and the original "Merry Andrew," wrote a

-     book of nearly three hundred pages, 12mo., in the same manner.

-     Camden wrote of the quill with which he composed the Britannia,

-

-  "With one sole pen I wrote this book,

-    Made of a gray goose quill;

-  A pen it was when I it took,

-    And a pen I leave it still."

-

-  LAUNCELOT CLAYMORE.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-What Shakespeare Studied when at School.

-

-Mr. William J. Rolfe, the Shakespearian student, has written most

-entertainingly of the Avon bard's school days. "The training in an

-English free day school in the time of Elizabeth," he writes, "depended

-much on the attainments of the master, and these varied greatly, bad

-teachers being the rule and good ones the exception. In many towns the

-office of schoolmaster was conferred on 'an ancient citizen of no great

-learning.' Sometimes a quack conjuring doctor had the position, like

-Pinch in the _Comedy of Errors_." What did William study in the

-grammar-school? Not much except arithmetic and Latin, with perhaps a

-little Greek and a mere smattering of other branches.

-

-The Latin grammar used was certainly Lily's, the standard manual of the

-time, as long before and after. In _The Taming of the Shrew_ (I., 1,

-167) a passage from Terence is quoted in the modified form in which it

-appears in this grammar.

-

-This fact, slight as it is, seems to have its bearing on the Baconian

-controversy. "Can we imagine," asks Mr. Rolfe, "the sage of St. Albans,

-familiar as he was with classical literature, going to his old Latin

-grammar for a quotation from Terence, and not to the original works of

-that famous playwright?"

-

-We often hear people speak of "good old times," as if present times were

-worse. But good old school times of the sort described here were

-certainly not better than present times.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Asked to Cease Soaring a Moment.

-

-Mrs. Phelps-Ward has just related an amusing story of John Greenleaf

-Whittier and Lucy Larcom. They were driving together one day, and

-discussing the Bible, the future life, and kindred topics. The poet was

-a spare man, as of course you know, while the author, whose stories and

-poems you so well remember, was portly, and had withal an easy-going

-temperament, which led her to take things as they came, disturbed by

-nothing. She was, when interested in a subject, generally quite

-oblivious to all else around her. Driving along, they came to a rather

-steep hill that had a bad gully in it. The horse was none too easy to

-manage, and the carriage swayed uncomfortably toward the heavy

-side--that borne well down by the portly woman. Mr. Whittier was trying

-his best to control the horse and keep his seat, but his companion

-talked on.

-

-"Lucy," said the poet, sternly, and with not too much composure, "if

-thee doesn't stop talking long enough for me to control this horse,

-thee'll find thyself in heaven before thee wants to."

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Kinks.

-

-No. 30.--AN OBLONG STAR.

-

-If the cross-words are rightly guessed the central letters of the

-right-hand hour-glass, reading downward, will spell the name of the

-Grecian painter from whose untiring industry is derived the proverb,

-_Nulla dies sine linea_ ("No day without a line"). The central letters

-of the left-hand hour-glass will spell the name of a renowned Greek

-sculptor who was born about the time of the battle of Marathon.

-

-1. _Upper Diamond._--1. In drawling. 2. A Japanese coin worth about

-four-fifths of a cent. 3. A word occurring frequently in the Psalms. 4.

-A deceiver. 5. The inferior pole of the horizon. 6. A form of a personal

-pronoun. 7. In drawling.

-

-2. _Lower Diamond._--1. In drawling. 2. Mournful. 3. The pyramidal roof

-of a tower. 4. Insulting. 5. Scorched. 6. To finish. 7. In drawling.

-

-3. _Left-hand Hour-glass._--1. Spotted. 2. Fences sunk below the ground.

-3. A mite. 4. In drawling. 5. The dado. 6. A map. 7. Calcined gypsum.

-

-4. _Right-Hand Hour-glass._--1. Revolves. 2. Writing material. 3. A

-couch. 4. In drawling. 5. A beverage. 6. To step. 7. To sparkle.

-

-  VINCENT V. M. BEEDE, R.T.F.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-No. 31.--A HETEROGENEOUS PIE.

-

-A maniac in a Canadian asylum once requested his keeper to bring him a

-pie composed of the following ingredients:

-

-One object^1 which once bore the words, "For the fairest," won by Venus;

-one cup of one^2 who rides the main; three cups of an appropriate name^3

-for a hard-headed animal; a morsel of a rod^4 little used in billiards;

-a nickname^5 applied to a New England State; one pound of the fish^6

-that struggles; a goodly quantity of the fruit^7 from which a mechanic

-in one of Shakespeare's comedies derives his name; a dash of the _nom de

-plume_^8 of James W. Morris; forty incites^9; a heaping measure of the

-substance^{10} indicated by the blank.

-

-                "Not a ----

-  But shows some touch in freckle, streak, or stain,

-  Of his unrivall'd pencil."--Cowper.

-

-  XENTRIQUE.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-No. 32--BEHEADING.

-

-1. Behead a fruit, and leave a fruit; behead once more, and leave our

-ancestors; behead again, and leave a part of our ancestors.

-

-2. Behead a tree, and leave past; behead again, and leave to depart.

-

-3. Behead a fruit, and leave a vegetable; behead again, and leave to

-adorn.

-

-4. Behead a plant, and leave slack; behead again, and leave that

-wherewith the plant might have been cut.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Answers to Kinks.

-

-No. 28.--A MUSICAL MÉLANGE.

-

-1. Beethoven. 2. Chopin. 3. Handel. 4. Bull (_Taurus_). 5. Rossini. 6.

-Thomas. 7. Albani. 8. Crotch. 9. Lasso. 10. Mason. 11. Potter. 12.

-Purcell. 13. Fiddle. 14. Spinet. 15. Flute. 16. Bugle. 17. Trumpet. 18.

-Bagpipes. 19. Kettle-drums. 20. Fife. 21. Horn. 22. Lyre. 23.

-Harpsichord.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-No. 29.

-

-1. Burns. 2. Scott. 3. Herbert. 4. Willis. 5. Spenser. 6. White. 7.

-Dryden. 8. Hemans. 9. Pope. 10. Goldsmith. 11. Cowper. 12. Southey.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Not Good Form.

-

-Care for what one says ought always to be exercised, without regard to

-whether or not it may be heard by those for whom it is not intended.

-Here is a story that emphasizes this lesson:

-

-An officer of the Law Division of the New York Custom-house walked into

-the Collector's office a few days ago, while the Collector was talking

-with a tall man, whose back was turned toward the door.

-

-"What is it?" asked the Collector. "Anything important?"

-

-"Oh no," returned the officer. "Only another blunder in the long list of

-blunders committed by that Secretary of the Treasury of ours." The tall

-man laughed.

-

-"Mr. Blank," said the Collector, "let me introduce you to Mr. Carlisle,

-Secretary of the Treasury."

-

-The Secretary turned, still laughing, and shook the hand of the law

-officer, who, red in the face, stammered a half-heard apology--and got

-out as quickly as possible.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-A Good Amateur Newspaper.

-

-The _Scribbler_ has completed its first year, and it makes quite an

-unnecessary apology for its past shortcomings. This latter is really the

-poorest thing about its past--this apology. Many a public speaker, after

-giving a good address, mars it by apologizing for it. The _Scribbler_

-has done well, and of course will do better. Its address is: Easton,

-Pa., and its manager, Norman E. Hart. You should see a copy. It is neat

-and Interesting.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-Questions and Answers.

-

-John C. Cone, 519 South Seventh Street, Hamilton, O., wants to receive

-sample copies of amateur newspapers. The Table has not published a

-description of the badge, dear Sir Sidney Mulhall, and has now none in

-stock. Evelyn T. Jones: Yes, the Table is glad to receive descriptions

-of places, industries, outings, etc., and asks correspondents to try to

-see how excellent they can make such morsels--correct grammar and

-spelling, avoidance of unnecessary words, and careful selection of

-descriptive adjectives. Letters from foreign places, if filled with

-information of general interest, are published when space permits. Good

-"Kinks" will be published, but new ideas are wanted, not merely new

-material in old forms.

-

-Arthur J. Johnston, Box 136, Dartmouth, N. S., says, "I am much

-interested in politics, and would like to correspond with members of the

-Table, especially those living in Canada, on that subject." Cyrus

-Williston, Vernon, N. Y., wants to hear from members of the Order, any

-subject, and Louis O. Brosie, 3405 Butler Street, Pittsburg. Pa., has

-some quite old numbers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE which he does not want.

-He mentions the fact upon seeing inquiries in this column for these old

-copies, no longer in the publishers' stock. Aaron Spong asks where he

-can find a collection of college songs. There are several to be had. Ask

-for _Carmina Princetonia_; _Columbia College Song-Book_; _Harvard

-College Song-Book_. Go to your bookseller or to a music-store. Any

-dealer can get collections for you upon order, but Chicago dealers will

-have them in stock without doubt.

-

-Henry F. French asks for information concerning the earliest national

-books. The Pentateuch is the oldest of books. In Greece the most ancient

-writings are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, date about 900 B.C. In Latin,

-Plautus wrote his comedies 200 B.C. The first British author was Gildas,

-500 A.D., who wrote a _Conquest of Britain_. At the same date Venan

-Fortunatus, in France, wrote the first work of that country--a book of

-Latin poetry. The Koran is the earliest work of any Arabian, Persian, or

-Turk. It was written A.D. 600. The first of Germany's literature was

-Walafred Strabo's book of poems and theology, 841 A.D. In Russia,

-Yaroslaff in the year 1000 A.D., compiled a code of laws, while Monez

-(1100 A.D.) is the first Portuguese author. The other countries are

-represented as follows: Italy, Accursius, writer of jurisprudence,

-1182-1260 A.D.; Sweden, Eric Olai, author of _A History of the Goths and

-Swedes_, 1400 A.D.; Poland, Vinc Kadlubek, writer of a history of

-Poland, 1226 A.D. Arvine names Benjamin Thompson our "pioneer in

-letters." He was called "ye renowned poet of New England, learned

-schoolmaster and physician."

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: STAMPS]

-

-     This department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin

-     collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question

-     on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address

-     Editor Stamp Department.

-

-

-Specialization has led to the cataloguing of innumerable minute

-varieties in perforations, water-marks, papers, shades, and impressions

-from more or less worn or retouched plates, to say nothing of "freaks."

-The result has been the immense catalogues with which we are all so

-familiar, and albums containing a multitude of spaces for stamps which

-not one collector in a thousand can ever expect to fill. This has led to

-a reaction, and the average collector will hereafter not be puzzled by

-minute varieties of no interest to any one except the small group of

-rich men in each country to whom they are due. These advanced collectors

-do not use printed albums, and special catalogues can easily be made for

-them. All the large dealers hereafter will make albums and catalogues

-which the average collector will have a chance of filling up at

-reasonable rates.

-

-Unique or very rare stamps in such albums will probably be represented

-by photographs of the costly originals.

-

-     W. MACFARLANE.--The 2c. U.S. Revenues are extremely common, hence

-     have no value.

-

-     S. MANNING.--The old U.S. Special Delivery stamps are worth 15c.

-     each, used. The yellow one will probably prove to be the scarcest.

-

-     H. M. CROSSMAN.--The 1892 Columbian half-dollar can be bought for

-     75c. The 1893 one is in common use. The Columbian quarter is worth

-     $1.75.

-

-     H. H. C.--The ordinary U.S. quarter for 1853 with rays on the

-     reverse can be bought for 35c. The rare variety of the same date

-     for $3.50.

-

-     F. M., JUN.--The 50c. Mortgage U.S. Revenue is worth 5c.; the 50c.

-     Entry of Goods and Conveyance, 1c. each: the $1 Inland Exchange,

-     1c. These prices are for perforated stamps; if unperforated they

-     are worth $1 each upward.

-

-     WILL KELSEY.--All sheets of the current issue have one outside row

-     of stamps unperforated on one side, and all the 1c., 2c., etc.,

-     have two rows of stamps unperforated on one side. Such partly

-     perforated stamps have no special value. The 1875 reprint of the

-     1869 3c. stamp is worth $15 unused. This reprint can be known by

-     the snow-white paper on which it is printed. Many of the 1869

-     stamps show no signs of grilling, owing to a very light pressure of

-     the grills. Such stamps have no greater value than the grilled

-     ones.

-

-     NYACK.--I do not know what the stamped paper made for use in the

-     American colonies is worth. I know of one copy which was bought by

-     the holder for $50. There were no adhesive stamps made for the 1765

-     stamp act.

-

-     T. A. WESSMAN.--It is impossible to pass any opinion on rare

-     Chinese coins without seeing a rubbing. They are considered as

-     simple curios here, and can be bought very cheap if the dealer has

-     any.

-

-     A. F. BERLIN.--Apply to any of the larger dealers for price.

-

-     A. B. C.--My remarks applied to Spanish stamps only. The West

-     Australian cancelled stamps with punched holes were those issued by

-     the colonial authorities to the imperial (_i.e._, Great Britain)

-     authorities for official use. Most of these imperial officials were

-     in charge of the convict camps in West Australia, and doubtless

-     some of the stamps were given by them to prisoners in their charge,

-     as it seems fairly well established that some letters from

-     prisoners were pre-paid by punched stamps.

-

-     C. S. SMITH.--Dealers offer U.S. dollars of 1800 for $2;

-     half-dollar 1811, 1812, 1818, seventy-five cents each.

-

-     C. RAWSON, 3421 North Nineteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa., wishes

-     to exchange stamps.

-

-     H. D. GRAHAM.--"Local" stamps are those used by postmasters and by

-     private firms who carried letters in competition with the U.S.

-     mails. They have all been suppressed by the U.S. government. The

-     _early_ Boyd's Express, Blood & Co.'s, Honour City Post, etc., are

-     very scarce. Hussey's Post and the later Boyd's Express are very

-     common. Many have been reprinted, and others have been

-     counterfeited.

-

-     N. P. COPPEDGE.--The English penny is quite a common coin. It has

-     no value in this country, and in England can be bought for

-     threepence.

-

-  PHILATUS.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: IVORY SOAP]

-

-"Health is the vital principle of bliss, and exercise, of health."

-

-  No health--there is no hope of bliss,

-    No exercise--and health soon flies,

-  No bath with Ivory Soap--you miss

-    The best results of exercise.

-

-Copyright, 1896, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration]

-

-GOLD RINGS FREE!

-

-We will give one half-round Ring, =18k Rolled Gold= plate & =warranted= to

-anyone who will sell 1 doz. Indestructible Lamp Wicks (need no trimming)

-among friends at 10cts. each. Write us and we will mail you the =Wicks=.

-You sell them and send us the money and we will mail you the Ring.

-

-STAR CHEMICAL CO., Box 435, Centerbrook, Conn.

-

-

-

-

-A TRIP ABROAD,

-

-a Piano, Phonograph Bicycle, Solid Gold Watch, and many other unheard-of

-opportunities, free for the asking, to every young person. Get all

-information by sending your address (no stamp required) to

-

-CHASE & CO., No. 1 Madison Ave., New York City.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration]

-

-EARN A GOLD WATCH!

-

-We wish to introduce our =Teas and Baking Powder=. Sell 50 lbs. to earn a

-=Waltham Gold Watch and Chain=; 25 lbs. for a =Silver Watch and Chain=; 10

-lbs. for a =Gold Ring=; 50 lbs. for a =Decorated Dinner Set=; 75 lbs.

-for a =Bicycle=. Write for a Catalog and Order Blank to Dept. I

-

-W. G. BAKER,

-

-Springfield, Mass.

-

-

-

-

-[Illustration: THOMPSON'S EYE WATER]

-

-

-

-

-HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE SERIES

-

-_Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth. $1.25 per volume._

-

-     =The Mystery of Abel Forefinger.= By WILLIAM DRYSDALE.

-

-     =Raftmates.--Canoemates.--Campmates.--Dorymates.= By KIRK MUNROE.

-

-     =Young Lucretia=, and Other Stories. By MARY E. WILKINS.

-

-     =The Mate of the "Mary Ann."--Flying Hill Farm.= By SOPHIE SWETT.

-

-     =A Boy's Town.= By W. D. HOWELLS.

-

-     =The Midnight Warning=, etc. By EDWARD H. HOUSE.

-

-     =The Moon Prince=, and Other Nabobs. By RICHARD KENDALL MUNKITTRICK.

-

-     =Diego Pinzon.= By JOHN RUSSELL CORYELL.

-

-     =Phil and the Baby, and False Witness.= Two Stories. By LUCY C.

-     LILLIE.

-

-_Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00 per volume._

-

-     =Lucy C. Lillie.=--THE HOUSEHOLD OF GLEN HOLLY.--THE COLONEL'S

-     MONEY.--MILDRED'S BARGAIN, etc.--NAN.--ROLF HOUSE.--JO'S

-     OPPORTUNITY.--THE STORY OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANS.

-

-     =James Otis.=--SILENT PETE.--TOBY TYLER.--TIM AND TIP.--MR. STUBBS'S

-     BROTHER.--LEFT BEHIND.--RAISING THE "PEARL."

-

-     =David Ker.=--THE LOST CITY.--INTO UNKNOWN SEAS.

-

-     =William Black.=--THE FOUR MACNICOLS.

-

-     =Kirk Munroe.=--CHRYSTAL, JACK & CO., and DELTA BIXBY.--DERRICK

-     STERLING.--WAKULLA.--THE FLAMINGO FEATHER.

-

-     =John Habberton.=--WHO WAS PAUL GRAYSON?

-

-     =Ernest Ingersoll.=--THE ICE QUEEN.

-

-     =W. O. Stoddard.=--THE TALKING LEAVES.--TWO ARROWS.--THE RED MUSTANG.

-

-     =Mrs. W. J. Hays.=--PRINCE LAZYBONES, etc.

-

-     =G. C. Eggleston.=--STRANGE STORIES FROM HISTORY.

-

-     =George B. Perry.=--UNCLE PETER'S TRUST.

-

-     =Sophie Swett.=--CAPTAIN POLLY.

-

-     =W. L. Alden.=--A NEW ROBINSON CRUSOE.--THE ADVENTURES OF JIMMY

-     BROWN.--THE CRUISE OF THE CANOE CLUB.--THE CRUISE OF THE

-     "GHOST."--THE MORAL PIRATES.

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York

-

-

-

-

-LOST HIS BEARINGS.

-

-[Illustration: "BEGINS TO WORK KIND OF HARD. GUESS I'LL STOP AND LOOK

-INTO HER."]

-

-[Illustration: "I'LL FIX THAT IN JUST A MINUTE."]

-

-[Illustration: OSTRICH (_sotto voce._). "SO WILL I."]

-

-[Illustration: "GREAT SCOTT! WHERE HAVE THOSE BEARINGS GONE TO?"]

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-A MATTER OF LETTERS.

-

-"I'm afraid you're a tease," said the old farmer to Aleck.

-

-"I may be a tease," said Aleck, "but I'm not one of the jays."

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-FULLY OCCUPIED.

-

-"Well, Charlie," said his aunt, as she met him on his return from the

-summer hotel, "what did you do with yourself all summer?"

-

-"Oh, I was losin' my hat about half the time," said Charlie.

-

-"Indeed! And what did you do the other half?"

-

-"Oh, I spent that lookin' for my hat."

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-It is a hard matter to get the better of, or at least to convince, an

-Irishman in an argument that you are right. Not long ago, in one of the

-cabins of a coast-line steamer, the conversation turned round to

-astronomy. A gentleman observed that the sun made a revolution around

-the earth, and what more wonderful thing than that could be found in

-astronomy? This somewhat amused the other passengers, but their laughter

-developed into great hilarity when an Irishman near by, exclaimed:

-

-"That's not so! The sun, I am certain, does not revolute the earth!"

-

-"But," said the gentleman, "where does it come from when it rises in the

-east, and where does it go when it sets in the west? It has no other

-thing to do but to pass under the earth and come up again."

-

-"Arrah, now, that's plain enough. Shure yer shouldn't be puzzled at

-that. If the sun goes from the east to the west, it returns the same

-way, and the only reason yer don't see it is because it comes back at

-night-toime."

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE.

-

-"Jimmie, you wasted your breath talking to old Mr. Wilbur this morning.

-He's as deaf as a post."

-

-"I know that," said Jimmie, with a smile, "but posts don't have ten-cent

-pieces in their pockets to give little boys, and Mr. Wilbur does."

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-"Is this a sleeping-car, papa?"

-

-"Yes, Johnny."

-

-"Does it travel all night?"

-

-"Yes."

-

-"Humph! Must do all its sleeping in the day-time."

-

-       *       *       *       *       *

-

-[Illustration: GETTING A FEW POINTS IN NATURAL HISTORY.]

-

-

-

-

-

-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Harper's Round Table, September 15,

-1896, by Various

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***

-

-***** This file should be named 59335-8.txt or 59335-8.zip *****

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+Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: April 23, 2019 [EBook #59335]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Annie R. McGuire
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: HARPER'S ROUND TABLE]
+
+Copyright, 1896, by HARPER & BROTHERS. All Rights Reserved.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PUBLISHED WEEKLY. NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1896. FIVE CENTS A
+COPY.
+
+VOL. XVII.--NO. 881. TWO DOLLARS A YEAR.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A VIRGINIA CAVALIER.
+
+BY MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL.
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+The next few weeks worked a great and serious change in George. It was
+the first time he had seen death since he was ten years old, when his
+father died. That had made a great impression on him at the time, but
+the feelings of a child of ten and a youth of sixteen are very
+different. He had loved little Mildred dearly, and the child's death was
+a deep sorrow to him. The grief of his brother and sister was piteous.
+As the case often is, the father was the more overwhelmed, and the poor
+mother had to stifle her own grief to help her husband. George could not
+but love and admire his sister the more when he saw her calm fortitude,
+and how, inspired by love for her husband, she bore bravely the loss of
+her only child. Both Madam Washington and Betty had come to Mount Vernon
+the day of little Mildred's death. Madam Washington was obliged to
+return after a few days to her younger children, but George and Betty
+remained.
+
+"For George is the heir now," said Laurence, with a sad smile, "and he
+must learn to manage what will one day be his own."
+
+"Oh, brother," burst out George, with strange violence, "do you believe
+I wanted this place at the price of your child's life? I would give it
+all, twenty times over, to have her back!"
+
+"If I had thought you coveted it, I should never have made you my heir,"
+was Laurence's reply to this.
+
+Never was there a kinder or more helpful soul than Betty, now a tall
+and beautiful girl of fourteen. Mrs. Washington's health was much
+shattered by this last and greatest sorrow, and Laurence, who had always
+been of a delicate constitution, became every day more feeble. George
+attended him assiduously, rarely leaving him. He persuaded his brother
+to ride out and take some interest in the place. He read to Laurence of
+evenings in the library, and tried to interest him with accounts of the
+new regions in which the younger brother had spent so many months.
+Nothing could ever make Laurence Washington a happy man again.
+
+Mrs. Washington's sorrow, though as great, was better controlled. She
+always managed to wear a cheerful look before her husband, and although
+she was not able to accompany him in his out-door life, she was with him
+every moment he spent in-doors. Betty was to her as great a comfort as
+George was to Laurence Washington. Betty had so tender a heart and so
+excellent an understanding that she was as helpful as a woman twice her
+age, and these two young creatures were mainstays and comforts at an age
+when most young creatures rely wholly on other people.
+
+All day they were engaged, each in gentle and untiring efforts to make
+life a little brighter to their brother and sister. But after the older
+persons had retired, every night, George and Betty would sit up over the
+fire in the library and talk for hours. Their conversations were not
+always sad--it is not natural for the young to dwell in sadness--but
+they were generally serious. One night Betty said:
+
+"Don't you think, George, we ought to write to our mother and ask her to
+let us stay over Christmas with brother Laurence and sister Anne? You
+remember how gay it was last Christmas, and how glad we were to be here?
+Now I think when they are in great trouble we ought to be as willing to
+stay with them as when they were happy and bright and could make us
+enjoy ourselves."
+
+"Betty," answered George, in admiration, "why did I not think of this? I
+see it is just what we ought to do."
+
+"Because," said Betty, promptly, "women are much more thoughtful than
+men, and girls are much more thoughtful than boys."
+
+George did not dispute this, as he had been taught never to call in
+question any woman's goodness, and in his heart he believed them to be
+all as good as his mother and Betty and his sister Anne. The lesson of
+chivalry towards all women had been early and deeply taught him, and it
+was a part of the fibre of his being. "And shall I write and ask our
+mother to let us stay?" asked George, humbly.
+
+"No," replied Betty, with a slight accent of scorn; "you might not ask
+it in the right way. I shall write myself."
+
+Now, although Betty always assumed, when alone with George, this
+superior tone, yet when they were in company nothing could exceed her
+submissiveness towards this darling brother, and it was then George's
+turn to treat her with condescending kindness. But each thought this
+arrangement perfectly natural and mutually satisfactory. Whenever they
+had a discussion, though, Betty always carried the day, for she was
+really a girl of remarkably fine sense, and much more glib and
+persuasive than George, who could always be silenced, if not convinced,
+by Betty's ready tongue and quick wit. The next day the letter was
+written, and within a week a reply was received giving permission for
+them to remain over Christmas.
+
+Mrs. Washington, ever thoughtful of others, made the same preparation
+for the holiday on the estate as usual, so that, however sad the house
+might be, the servants should have their share of jollity. But the tie
+between a kind master and mistress and their slaves was one of great
+affection, and especially were the white children objects of affection
+to the black people. Therefore, although the usual Christmas holiday was
+given, with all the extra allowances and indulgences, it was a quiet
+season at Mount Vernon. On Christmas day, instead of the merry party in
+carriages going to Pohick Church, and an equally merry one going on
+board the _Bellona_ to service, the coach only took Mr. and Mrs.
+Washington and Betty to church, George riding with them, for he hated a
+coach, and never drove when he could ride.
+
+Meanwhile William Fairfax had returned to Belvoir, where there were
+Christmas festivities. George and Betty were asked, and although their
+brother and sister urged them to go, neither felt really inclined for
+gayety. They were not of those natures forever in pursuit of pleasure,
+although none could enjoy it more when it came rightly; and a native
+good sense and tender sympathy with others, which found no expression in
+words, made them both feel that they should omit no mark of respect in a
+case where they were so directly benefited as by the little girl's
+death. Laurence Washington and his wife could not admire too much
+George's delicacy about Mount Vernon. While he made use of the servants
+and the horses and carriages and boats, and everything else on the
+place, with the freedom of a son rather than of a younger brother, no
+word or look escaped him that indicated he was the heir.
+
+William Fairfax was a great resource to both George and Betty. Living a
+whole summer together as he and George had done, it was inevitable that
+they should become either very much attached or very antagonistic--and
+luckily they had become devotedly fond of one another. William was
+preparing to enter William and Mary College the following year, and
+George bitterly regretted that he would not have so pleasant a companion
+for his next summer's work. Very different were his circumstances now,
+the acknowledged heir of a rich brother. But George determined to act as
+if no such thing existed, and to carry out his plan of finishing the
+surveys on Lord Fairfax's lands. The universal expectation of war with
+France, whenever the French and English outposts should get sufficiently
+near, made him sure that he would one day bear arms; but he prepared for
+whatever the future might hold for him by doing his best in the present.
+
+In February he returned to Ferry Farm for a while, but he had been there
+only a month when Laurence Washington wrote, begging that he would
+return, and saying that he himself felt utterly unequal to carrying on
+the affairs of a great estate in his present wretched state of health
+and spirits. Madam Washington made no objection to George's return to
+Mount Vernon. She realized the full extent of Laurence's kind intentions
+towards George, and that his presence was absolutely necessary to keep
+the machinery of a large plantation going.
+
+In March, therefore, George was again at Mount Vernon, practically in
+charge of the place. There were ploughing and ditching and draining and
+clearing and planting to be done, and, with a force of a hundred and
+fifty field hands and eighteen hundred acres of arable land, it was no
+small undertaking. By daylight George was in the saddle, going first to
+the stables to see the stock fed, then to the kennels, and, after
+breakfast, riding over the whole estate. It kept him in the open air all
+day, and he began to like not only the life, but the responsibility. He
+had all the privileges of the master, Laurence leaving everything to his
+judgment, and his sister was glad to have it so. This continued until
+June, when, the crops being well advanced and Lord Fairfax having
+written urgently for him, he turned affairs over to the overseer until
+the autumn, and prepared to resume his work as a surveyor.
+
+He paid a hurried visit to Ferry Farm, where, although he was painfully
+missed, things went on perfectly well, for no better farmer than Madam
+Washington could be found in the colony of Virginia. Indeed, George's
+success at Mount Vernon was due in great measure to applying the sound
+system in vogue at Ferry Farm to the larger interests at Mount Vernon.
+Madam Washington's pride in his responsible position at Mount Vernon,
+and his still greater responsibility as a State surveyor for Lord
+Fairfax, did much to reconcile her to George's long absences. Deep in
+her heart she cherished a pride in her eldest son that was one of the
+master-passions of her life. The extreme respect that George paid her
+filled her with more satisfaction than the attentions of all the rest of
+the world. Once only had they clashed--in the matter of the midshipman's
+warrant. She had won a nominal victory by an appeal to his feelings, but
+she had no mind after that for any more battles of the sort. So, with
+tears, but with encouraging smiles, she saw him set forth, in the summer
+of 1749, upon his second year's work in the wilderness.
+
+[TO BE CONTINUED.]
+
+
+
+
+HOW TO MANAGE AN AQUARIUM.
+
+BY JAMES STEELE.
+
+
+It is generally supposed that it is necessary to change the water in an
+aquarium at least once a day; but that is not the case. The true
+principle on which an aquarium should be conducted is not to change the
+water at all, but so to aerate and refresh the original supply as to
+maintain it always in a pure and perfect state. There are several means
+by which this may be done. The healthy growth of plants is very
+important, and active and brisk contact with the air of the atmosphere
+will greatly freshen the water. Motion in the water is absolutely
+necessary. In large aquaria this is obtained by an arrangement of tanks
+into which the water is pumped, and from which it flows rapidly,
+circulating through the tanks where the fish live. In its passage
+through the air it absorbs considerable oxygen, without which no fish
+can live. Fish placed in water that has been boiled die in a very few
+minutes.
+
+In a small aquarium the water can be refreshed by frequently drawing it
+up through a glass or rubber syringe, and squirting it back into the
+vessel from some height above it.
+
+The first thing to be done in the formation of a fresh-water aquarium is
+to start your plants in proper soil at the bottom of your tank, fill the
+tank with water, and leave it undisturbed until the plants begin to grow
+and the little bubbles of oxygen are to be seen rising to the surface of
+the water.
+
+Choose your plants from such as you may collect from rivers or brooks or
+ponds anywhere in the country. Plant them, and then cover the surface of
+the soil with pebbles and small bits of rock, or anything that is
+suitable and in keeping with the rest of your arrangements. Never put
+sea-shells into a fresh-water aquarium, and never put in any artificial
+objects. Everything should be as simple and natural as you can make it.
+
+Now fill your tank with water poured through a siphon or funnel, being
+very careful not to disturb the soil or the roots of the plants. You
+should have some clean river sand in the bottom of your tank, and your
+pieces of rock should be so arranged as to form little caves and
+hiding-places for your fish. It will take perhaps two weeks to get your
+tank into a proper condition for fish to live in. Every bit of dead or
+decaying vegetation should be carefully removed. Keep your tank shaded
+from the heat of the sun, and expose it to the bright light only once in
+awhile.
+
+In order to manage your aquarium properly you will require a few simple
+tools. A little hand-net that can be bought for a few cents, or made for
+even less out of a bit of wire and a small piece of mosquito-netting, is
+useful for catching the fish or shells without putting your hands into
+the water. A pair of wooden forceps, like a glove-stretcher, will be
+found most convenient for nipping off bits of decaying plants or for
+catching objects that may have accidentally fallen into the water. Glass
+tubes of various sizes are also useful. If you want to catch any small
+object in the water with the tube, place the tube in the water with your
+finger over the hole in the top. Until your finger is removed the tube
+will remain full of air. Place it over the bit of refuse or whatever it
+is you want to catch, remove your finger, and the water will rush in,
+carrying the object with it into the tube, which should then be closed
+at the upper end by placing your finger over it as before. A glass or
+hard-rubber syringe is necessary with which to aerate the water
+thoroughly at least once a day, and oftener if possible. Fill the
+syringe, hold it high above the tank, and then squirt the water back
+again. A long piece of India-rubber tubing which may be used as a siphon
+is necessary for the purpose of changing the water in the tank, when it
+is evident that something has gone wrong.
+
+If a green film begins to gather on the side of the tank that is most
+exposed to the light, it should be cleaned away every day, and the sides
+of the glass polished carefully. A small piece of clean sponge tied on
+the end of a stick will answer the purpose very well, and, if used
+daily, you can keep the glass clear with very little trouble; but if the
+scum is neglected and left to accumulate, you will find it almost
+impossible to remove it from the glass even by hard scouring.
+
+It is best to have only small fish in your aquarium, and for this reason
+trout are not desirable. Although very beautiful and intelligent, they
+grow so rapidly that they are likely to become in a short time too
+unwieldy for your tank. Goldfish and minnows are very good, and the
+common little sunfish or "pumpkin-seed" is excellent.
+
+You must keep careful watch over the fish in your aquarium, and if any
+one of them appears to be sick he should be removed at once, very
+gently, with the hand-net, and placed in fresh water, where he will
+often recover. If, however, the little sufferer is doomed to die, it is
+better not to run the risk of his doing so among his healthy companions.
+It is best always to have a hospital for your sickly pets, and as soon
+as one of them, whether a fish or a bird or any animal, shows signs of
+ill health, he should be taken away from the others and placed by
+himself.
+
+Certain varieties of snails live well in fresh water, and will be found
+useful in clearing away the green film that is almost certain to collect
+on the side of the glass; but you must be careful or they will devour
+your plants as well; and if your tank is very small it is hardly worth
+while to try to keep them.
+
+Water-beetles and water-spiders also thrive well, and their habits are
+most interesting to watch; but water-beetles fly by night, and unless
+you are careful to cover your tank you are likely to discover some
+morning that a number of your tenants have taken French leave.
+
+You must be careful not to overstock your aquarium, for your fish will
+not thrive if they are overcrowded. Remember, also, that heat and dust
+are fatal to your pets. The water must be kept clean and cool at all
+times, and all foreign matter and every particle of decaying vegetation
+should be removed immediately.
+
+To manage an aquarium successfully, no matter on how small a scale,
+requires a good deal of care and time, but you will find it time well
+spent, and the pleasure and knowledge the study of your pets will give
+you will be an ample return for the time you spend on them.
+
+
+
+
+WHO CAN ANSWER?
+
+BY GRACE A. CANNON.
+
+
+  The question's not a new one, dear,
+    But one that ev'ry day
+  Comes to some girls and boys I know
+    While at their work or play.
+
+  My Nanny comes to me at morn,
+    And with beseeching look,
+  Asks me if I can tell her where
+    She'll find her slate or book.
+
+  And Teddy comes to me and says,
+    Sometimes with downcast eye,
+  "Mamma dear, won't you please to come
+    And help me find my tie?"
+
+  And Alice, too, comes with a frown
+    When going out for play;
+  "Oh dear, mamma, what did I do
+    With my hat yesterday?"
+
+  No hat is found out in the hall;
+    The book's not in its case;
+  No tie is found upstairs to be
+    In its accustomed place.
+
+  Now me the reason tell, my dear,
+    And quickly, if you can,
+  Why all these things may not be found
+    By Alice, Ted, or Nan?
+
+  The question's not a new one, dear,
+    But one that ev'ry day
+  Comes to some girls and boys I know
+    While at their work or play.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ADVENTURES WITH FRIEND PAUL.]
+
+BY PAUL DU CHAILLU.
+
+Part I.
+
+
+Dear young folks of HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, I have been invited by my
+friend, the Editor, to write for you a series of stories in which I
+shall tell you of some of the adventures that have happened to me in the
+great equatorial forest which begins on the west coast at the sea-shore
+and stretches far to the east on both sides of the equator, adventures
+which I have not told in _Stories of the Gorilla Country_, _Lost in the
+Jungle_, _Wild Life Under the Equator_, _My Apingi Kingdom_, and _The
+Country of the Dwarfs_, five books which I wrote especially for you.
+
+During my travels I have had so many strange adventures, I have endured
+so many days of hunger and starvation, I have had so many hair-breadth
+escapes, I have seen so many strange sights, I have met face to face so
+many savage and fierce men and still more savage and dangerous beasts,
+that I could spend days in recounting to you the adventures of my life.
+
+Africa is a wonderful country. There are great sandy deserts, extensive
+ranges of mountains, immense prairies, vast tracts of brushwood, swampy
+lands, great rivers and lakes; but the wonder of that large continent is
+the great equatorial forest I discovered, and which contains so many
+wild animals and interesting tribes of people.
+
+What an immense forest it is--a sea of trees, if I may use the
+expression! No one knows how wide it is, neither do we know its exact
+length.
+
+What gigantic trees are seen in that forest! Some rival in size the
+great California trees. These are the giants of the forest, and they
+rise two or three hundred feet above the other trees, upon which they
+look down. They are like sentinels watching over the country. Some of
+these big trees are worshipped by the natives. Under the roof of the
+mighty branches is the thick jungle, where no man can penetrate easily.
+The jungle is the undergrowth of the forest. It is made up of younger
+trees: lianas, thorny creepers, kinds of bamboo and rattan, thorny
+trees, sword-grass that cuts like a razor, and aloes plant in the swampy
+parts. In many places the explorer cannot see a yard off from where he
+stands.
+
+What beautiful butterflies and queer insects, rare birds--some with
+brilliant plumage--lovely and strange flowers and orchids the traveller
+will meet as he explores this unknown land! Though all alone in that
+great solitude, he will seldom feel lonely, for his mind will be
+occupied all the time.
+
+[Illustration: HIDDEN SNAKES THE CHIEF DANGER OF THE FOREST.]
+
+There are also many disagreeable things in the forest. The most
+dangerous, for they are often enemies unseen, are the snakes. There are
+snakes that live chiefly in the water. I used to keep a sharp lookout
+for them when I bathed in the clear little streams which run through the
+woods. There are tree snakes, those who pass a great part of their time
+on trees and feed on squirrels, birds, and monkeys; and also land
+snakes--that is, snakes that never climb trees and seldom go into the
+water. The biggest of them is the python. Often they are coiled along
+the trunk of a tree waiting to spring upon a passing gazelle. But there
+are so many venomous snakes, it makes me shudder as I think of them with
+their triangular heads. What fangs they have, especially the _Clotho
+nasicornis_, a thick short snake! Its fangs for all the world look like
+fish bones. In color that snake can hardly be distinguished from the
+ground and dead leaves on which it crawls. It is of great thickness
+round the middle; its head is very huge and hideous, being triangular in
+shape, and having an erect proboscis or born rising from the tip of its
+nose. Besides snakes, there are centipedes, so-called because, I
+suppose, they have about a hundred legs. Their sting is poisonous, and
+in some cases fatal; those that are very dark in color are much dreaded.
+
+Then the scorpions! you find them everywhere, even between the leaves of
+your books!
+
+What narrow escapes I have had with snakes, scorpions, centipedes! I
+wonder sometimes that I am alive to tell of the things I have seen. I
+never used to lie down without looking for these creeping things. You
+think, naturally, that a man's life must be miserable on that account.
+Not at all; one gets accustomed to everything in the world. At last I
+did not mind it at all, I got so used to doing this every day.
+
+There were also many kinds of flies--called by the natives the mboco,
+ntchoona, the eloway. The mosquitoes will often plague us. We shall meet
+the terrible bashikonay ants. When they spread in the forest, they
+attack every living animal. All flee before them--gorilla, leopard, and
+elephant.
+
+In that great forest are many tribes of men; some of them wear no
+clothing whatever. These people worship idols, good and evil spirits;
+dread witchcraft, and put to death all those who they think are wizards
+or witches. They are constantly engaged in warfare against each other.
+The most fierce looking of all are the cannibal tribes. How horrid they
+look with their sharp-pointed teeth, which have been made so by being
+filed! What magnificent-looking warriors they are! What brave hunters!
+It was in their country that I shot my first gorilla.
+
+The strangest people I discovered were the dwarfs or pygmies, a race of
+people very diminutive in size. They looked so queer, especially the
+white-headed old folks. None of their houses is more than three feet in
+height. These pygmies, like the monkeys, lived chiefly on the fruits,
+berries, and nuts of the forest; they never cultivated the soil. But
+they knew the use of fire, knew how to trap game and cook their meat.
+
+All these tribes thought Friend Paul was a Moguizic, a supernatural
+being who had come from some part of the sky. Many believed that I had
+descended from the moon, and that I came to see the world and its
+inhabitants. They believed that I could do all kinds of supernatural
+things, and in many tribes where guns were unknown they thought I held
+thunder and lightning in my hands, and when I fired a gun they all fell
+low on the ground.
+
+Highways of communication and roads are unknown in this great dark
+Africa. But there are numerous paths going in every direction, so the
+traveller, if the natives are willing to guide him, can go from the west
+coast to the east coast, and from the Cape of Good Hope to Egypt,
+Morocco, and Algeria, or _vice versa_, for every village and tribe has
+paths leading towards the other. Often the paths leading from one
+village to another are very difficult to follow, for the jungle is so
+rank; and often they are closed for months on account of wars among
+different tribes.
+
+Such paths you have never seen--narrow, just wide enough for a man to go
+through the thick jungle. The branches of trees often join together.
+Here a big tree has fallen across the path, and you must either bend
+yourself to pass under it, or climb over it. If you cannot do either,
+then you must go around it. You have to walk over the roots of trees
+until your feet are sore. Sometimes then you fall in the midst of
+sword-grass, or under the canelike bamboos or palms, or have to walk in
+swamps filled with aloes. I still walk in a stooping manner, the result
+of my being obliged to bend constantly under branches of trees, or under
+fallen ones. Often a stream is your only path.
+
+Day after day, my dear young folks, Friend Paul spent travelling in that
+forest without hearing the chatter of a monkey or the shrill cry of a
+parrot. The only noise he could hear was now and then the falling of a
+leaf or the gentle murmur of a little stream wending its way towards
+some big unknown river which he hoped some day to find.
+
+I walked thousands and thousands of miles on foot under its shady trees.
+The foliage was so thick that sometimes I was several weeks without
+being able to see the sun, the moon, or the stars, for my eyes could not
+penetrate the dense and thick leaves. How glad I was when I came to a
+river or an open space, and could see once more the sun, the moon, and
+the stars! I loved the stars, for without them and the moon I could not
+have known where I was; they showed me the way all through my travels.
+
+Not only had I to travel on foot, but everything I had to take with me
+had to be carried on the backs of men, for no beasts of burden are to be
+found in the big forest. There are no camels, no donkeys, no horses, no
+oxen; and had I taken some with me they would have died of starvation,
+for there were no pastures, and they could not have lived on the
+different leaves of the trees or of the jungle. Besides, they could not
+have gone through the narrow crooked path of the great forest.
+
+Rain falls almost every night for hours, accompanied by such thunder and
+lightning as you have never heard or seen in our country. The claps of
+thunder are so terrific that often they made me jump from my bed of
+leaves. The lightning at times is so vivid that it pierces the foliage
+of the trees; and as to the heavy rain, it often falls like a solid
+sheet of water for hours, and this happens almost every night for nine
+months of the year. After the rainy season comes the dry season--cold,
+for sometimes the thermometer falls to 66° Fahrenheit. I felt then this
+low temperature very much. Not a drop of rain falls during the dry
+season; but far in the interior, in the mountain regions, it rains
+twelve months of the year, but during three months of that time no
+thunder is heard.
+
+If the men are strange, the beasts roaming in that great forest are
+still more wonderful to behold. The huge elephant roams everywhere on
+its rivers and lakes, the hippopotami are numerous in the sluggish
+streams, and the lakes are filled with crocodiles of huge size. The
+great gorilla, which I discovered, is the terror of the natives, and is
+called by them the Giant of the Forest. The strong man of the woods
+wanders continually in search of fruits, berries, and nuts. When night
+comes he sleeps at the foot of a tree, while his wife, the female
+gorilla, is sleeping on its branches. The gorilla never makes a shelter
+or a house for himself. Those who describe them as making houses mislead
+you. Friend Paul killed many of these gorillas, and was the first white
+man who ever hunted them and saw them in their wild state.
+
+Besides the gorilla, Friend Paul saw several other wonderful kinds of
+man-like apes, also the common chimpanzee, called by the natives
+nshiego. Then he discovered three new species or varieties of the
+chimpanzee family, known to the natives under the names of
+Nshiego-mbouve, apes with bald heads and black faces; the
+Nshiego-nkengo, whose faces always remain yellow; and the Kooloo-kamba.
+All these apes are very shy, and the hunter to approach them has to be
+very wary.
+
+Dear friends, we are to travel together in that great African forest. We
+will carry no tents with us; we will build a new camp every day when we
+are on the march, and we will protect ourselves from the rain by
+building slanting roofs, covered with large leaves put on the top of
+each other as we do with shingles, slates, or tiles at home. We will
+protect ourselves from the wild beasts by burning all night large
+fires--the wild beasts are afraid of fire. These fires will protect us
+also from snakes and voracious ants.
+
+When we cannot find game we will be hungry together, and, like the
+monkeys, we will have to eat the wild berries, nuts, and fruits of the
+forest. When we cannot find these we will starve together until
+Providence comes to our rescue. At other times, when food is very scarce
+and it becomes a matter of life and death, we will be obliged to eat
+snakes, or sometimes leopards. When we have plenty, we will eat
+elephants, hippopotami, crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar, antelope,
+gazelles, and other animals. Often we will feast on monkeys--these at
+certain times of the year are delicious. Then, when we get into regions
+where no animals are to be seen, and fruits, nuts, and berries cannot be
+found--then we will drink water, which will help us to keep body and
+soul together. At times we will lie down under some big tree, ill with
+fever or weak from starvation. Then we shall think of the sweet home
+that is so far away, and wonder if we will ever return there again.
+
+
+
+
+CAPTAIN HANK'S SUBSTITUTE.
+
+
+Captain Hank of the Life-boat Patrol Service and Jack Hawley were old
+friends. The Captain had been at the station near Jack's house for a
+number of seasons, and when Jack first met him he was such a little chap
+that the Captain called him "Shorty." Jack had grown, however, into a
+strong hearty lad, and his one ambition was to get into the life-boat
+service.
+
+While they were talking one night in the station the sharp ring of the
+telephone bell made all hands glance up anxiously. Captain Hank strode
+over to the receiver.
+
+"Hullo!--Yes, Captain Hank.--What is it? Tramp steamer ashore? Yes. How
+many men do you want? Hullo! Yes. Full relief? All right--send them
+immediately. Good-by.
+
+"Boys, there's a tramp ashore at the lower station; want the full
+relief. Trot along, and get back as soon as you can. There's a nasty sea
+on to-night, and, with the wind right on shore, we might want you."
+
+The men donned their oil-skins and boots, and trotted off down the beach
+to the lower station, some five miles below. The Captain glanced at the
+remaining men, enough to man the life-boat, with the man out on patrol.
+
+"It's a fearful night out, boys," he said.
+
+The words had hardly left his mouth when the door opened and the patrol
+rushed in.
+
+"Three-master ashore on the outer bar, Captain."
+
+Like a flash every man was on his feet and into his oil-skins. Seizing
+the gun-carriage, they rushed it out and down the plank runway to the
+beach. Jack ran along with them, and strained his eyes as the Coston
+signal-light lit up the raging sea and disclosed to view a large
+three-master lying almost on her beam ends. There was a slight
+phosphorescent glow where the mad seas, lashed into foam, broke about
+her, sweeping the decks. Even as he looked two of her masts toppled and
+fell with a crash. On the shrouds of the remaining one a dark group was
+huddled.
+
+Jack's heart thrilled with excitement and pity. Poor fellows! their
+lives must be saved!
+
+The life-saving crew were busy with the gun, and in a few minutes away
+went the shot carrying a delicate line out to the wreck. It fell short
+or the wind drove it back. Again and again they tried it, but without
+success. The wind seemed to carry it to one side.
+
+"It's no use, boys, trying to rig the breeches buoy," roared the
+Captain; "we've got to man the life-boat, so get on your corks. I'll
+telephone to the lower station to see if I can get any of the boys
+back."
+
+Jack longed to go in the boat, but he knew it was impossible, and,
+sheltered behind it, he watched the black shadow on the bar, and hoped
+they would be in time to save the lives out there. The wind was sweeping
+and screaming with violent force, and the cold spray lashed the beach
+with foam. Jack heard one of the men yell to his neighbor that the
+Captain was a long while, and, thinking he could be of help, he ran back
+to hurry him up.
+
+As he entered the station a low groan greeted him. The Captain lay in
+the middle of the floor, motionless. He had stumbled over some rope in
+his hurry, and broken his arm.
+
+"It's no use, Jack," he moaned; "I can't go out with this arm. We will
+need the six oars in such a sea."
+
+Jack paused. "Captain," he said, "they will launch the boat." And
+catching a heavy oil-skin coat off a peg he rushed down to the beach.
+The men stood waiting, looking out to sea. Without saying a word he
+gripped the boat, and when the right breaker came he gruffly shouted,
+"Now, men," as he had often heard the Captain, and with a strong heave
+and all together they rushed the boat out into the surf and leaped
+aboard.
+
+Jack seized the steering-oar, and before the next wave could swamp them
+they got a grip on the water and successfully mounted it. It was a
+remarkable launch in such a sea, and promised success for their other
+efforts.
+
+They were going right into the teeth of the gale, and the crew rose to
+the work. It was hard work, though. The wind beat them back, tearing at
+their frail craft with fierce tugs, dashing the frozen spray over them
+in sheets. To reach the wreck Jack had to keep off the wind a little,
+and time and time again the boat's head would swing around, and his
+heart would jump as the monstrous waves threatened to swamp her.
+
+His hands were numb with cold and his face frozen with spray. The crew
+bent over their oars. They knew nothing of the change of Captains, and
+when they heard the gruff commands, they may have wondered at the
+boyishness of the tones, but never dreamed who was steering the boat.
+
+They were nearing the ship, and with admirable skill, in keeping with
+his efforts from the start, Jack got up in the lee of the wreck,
+directly under the shrouds to which the group was clinging. Slowly but
+surely, one by one, the men scrambled down the rigging and, when a
+favorable opportunity presented itself, leaped aboard.
+
+There were five men, and as the last came aboard Jack did a neat bit of
+steering that even the brave crew of the life-boat noticed and cheered.
+They left the wreck, and with their backs to the mad wind, they bounded
+over the roaring waves towards the shore.
+
+Jack kept the boat directly in front of the storm, and as they neared
+the surf his command rang out, "Steady!" And then a gigantic wave raised
+them on its crest and, with a swirl and a roar, ran them upon the beach.
+In a trice they ran the boat out of reach of the surf.
+
+In the snug warmth of the station the crew started to cheer the dripping
+Captain in his oil-skins; but when he took off the broad-brimmed hat
+that hid his face and they saw Jack, they were mute. One of them rushed
+to their Captain's bunk, and when he saw the helpless figure of the real
+Captain lying there, he pointed to it and then to Jack.
+
+  HUBERT EARL.
+
+
+
+
+UP IN A WATER-SPOUT.
+
+ONE OF THE OLD SAILOR'S YARNS.
+
+BY W. J. HENDERSON.
+
+
+The Old Sailor sat on the end of the pier, but he was restless and ill
+at ease. He looked often at the southwestern sky, where heavy blue-black
+clouds were massing themselves in low and writhing shapes. He shook his
+head solemnly, rose to his feet, and walked nervously up and down.
+
+"This are the werry identical kind o' day it were," he muttered, "an' ef
+we don't see some on 'em to-day, w'y, I'm a bloomin' marine, that's
+wot."
+
+"See some of what?" inquired a voice behind him; and turning, he saw the
+two boys.
+
+"Waal, waal, waal!" he exclaimed; "you two infants is a-gettin' 'most as
+weatherwise as tree-frogs."
+
+This exclamation was not unnatural, for the two boys were clad in long
+sea-boots, oil-skins, and sou'westers.
+
+"Ye look like a pair o' sunflowers," said the Old Sailor, with
+admiration in his tone, "an' I reckon ye don't worry much about the rain
+wot are a-comin'."
+
+"No; I guess we will not get wet," said Henry, laughing.
+
+"But s'posin'--now mind I don't go fur to say it'll happen--but s'posin'
+ye was to go fur to come fur to git carried up aloft."
+
+"What ever do you mean?" asked George.
+
+"Look down yonder--quick!" exclaimed the Old Sailor, pointing to the
+southern horizon.
+
+The boys saw an immense blue-black cloud, from which hung down a great
+dark cone. A similar cone, point upward, rose from the sea, and the two
+were joined by a slender wavering black column.
+
+"Oh, what is it?" cried George.
+
+"I know," exclaimed Henry. "It's a water-spout."
+
+"It's going out to sea," ejaculated George.
+
+"Werry good; werry good indeed," said the Old Sailor, sagely; "it
+sartainly are a-goin' out to sea. 'Cos w'y, it can't go on land, 'cos it
+are a water-spout an' not a landspout, w'ich the same there ain't none,
+'ceptin' them on the sides o' houses fur rain to go down, an' them
+mostly leaks."
+
+The three stood and watched the dreaded monster of the sea--a rare sight
+indeed near shore--until it passed out of sight.
+
+"It are gone," said the Old Sailor, "an' it 'ain't took nothin' with 't
+'ceptin' wind an' water."
+
+"Do they ever take anything else with them?" asked George.
+
+"W'ich the same they do," answered the Old Sailor; "an' wot they takes
+ain't never come back but oncet, as I knows on. I knowed we'd see some
+on 'em to-day; 'cos w'y, this are the kind o' day wot breeds 'em, an' it
+are the werry identical kind o' day wot it all happened on."
+
+So saying, the Old Sailor sat down on the end of the pier, and the boys
+seated themselves beside him.
+
+"This 'ere yarn wot I'm a goin' fur to tell ye," began the Old Sailor,
+"are a most ser'ous tale, an' I hopes as how 't won't go fur to give ye
+no nightmare. I were fust mate o' the barkentine _Herrin' Bones_, bound
+from Rio Janeiro to New York. She were a wall-sided hooker, with double
+to'-gallants, an' a werry disrepitable habit o' goin' to leeward."
+
+"What was her cargo?" asked George.
+
+"I allers tells ye wot the cargo were, my son, but this 'ere wessel
+didn't have no cargo; she were flyin' light, an' preehaps 'twould 'a'
+bin better ef she'd had more ballast aboard. Her Cap'n were Gawge W.
+Smoke, an' her second mate were a long-legged feller from New Orleans,
+named Pierre Crust, an' a werry crusty Pierre he were too. Waal, to git
+right down to the business part o' this 'ere yarn wot I'm a-tellin' ye,
+I'll say that we didn't have nothin' but fair weather an' good
+to'-gallant breezes till we got right up atwixt St. Thomas an' Bermooda,
+an' then it rained an' blowed squalls an' thunder-storms fur two days
+an' nights all round the compass. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he to me,
+sez he, 'It ain't no fittin' weather fur to be buggaluggin' round here.'
+An' sez I to he, sez I, 'It ain't, but here we be, an' we can't fly
+away,' sez I, jess like that, him bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate, an' the
+barkentine bein' the _Herrin' Bones_. But ef I'd knowed wot were
+a-comin', I'd never said nothin'.
+
+"Waal, them squalls an' thunder-storms kep' a-gettin' thicker an'
+blacker, till byme-by the hull sky all round were jess like it were down
+yonder a leetle while ago. An' Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he allowed that we'd
+best stand by fur water-spouts. Sure 'nuff, 'twere jess about six bells
+in the forenoon watch o' the second day o' this 'ere cantankerous
+weather, w'en the lookout sung out, 'Water-spout on the weather bow!'
+'Fore we had time to look at it another hand sighted one on the lee bow,
+an' some one else seed one on the weather-quarter. In less 'n five
+minutes we sighted seven on 'em to wind'ard an' six to leeward, makin'
+thirteen, w'ich the same that are a werry unlucky number.
+
+"Waal, we clapped on a leetle more sail, hopin' fur to run out o' this
+'ere convention o' water-spouts. But, bless ye! ye might as well 'a'
+tried to git away from a express train by runnin' down the track ahead
+o't. They was comin' down on us at a powerful gait. W'en the biggest one
+were about half a mile away, we could see it whirlin' round an' round
+like a big wheel, an' it roared like Niagarer Falls, w'ich the same ye
+'ain't never seed, but ye see pictures of 'em in your geoggerfy. Pierre
+Crust, our second mate, he got so skeered he jess went an' hid his head
+under a deck bucket. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he give orders to clew up the
+to'-gallants, so's to stop the vessel, hopin' that the spout'd pass
+ahead on us. But, bless ye! the bloomin', bleedin', blasted thing turned
+out of its course, an' kep' a-comin' right fur us.
+
+"'We're bound for Davy Jones's locker,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez
+he. 'It are a-goin' to break right on top o' us.'
+
+"'Werry good, sir,' sez I. 'Axin' your parmission, I'll put on a
+life-persarver.'
+
+"''Twon't do ye no good,' sez he. 'W'en she breaks on us she'll drive us
+twenty fathom down. Here it comes! Stan' by, all hands, to go under
+hatches.'
+
+"Roarin' like a thunder-storm, an' loomin' over us like a iceberg turned
+black, the water-spout come to the barkentine. We all shut our eyes, an'
+held our breath, an' waited to be buried under a million tons o' water.
+But may I never live to see lobscouse agin ef the bloomin' thing busted
+at all! We felt the ship give a lurch an' a jump, an' then she started
+off at the rate o' thirty knots an hour.
+
+"'Wot are it?' yelled the Cap'n.
+
+"'The water-spout!' I yells back. 'She's picked us up!'"
+
+The Old Sailor paused to gaze around the horizon, and the two boys gazed
+at one another in breathless amazement. In a moment their remarkable
+friend resumed his narrative.
+
+"It weren't no sort o' pickle fur a decent old barkentine to be in, an'
+the _Herrin' Bones_ knowed it, but there she were. She were a-sailin'
+round and round like a chicken with its head off. Her keel were in the
+water o' the spout, an' her masts was a-stickin' out sideways like
+toothpicks out o' old Bill Smorkey's mouth arter dinner. W'y, blow me
+fur a farmer ef I don't b'lieve she'd 'a' fell off the bloomin' thing
+sideways ef it hadn't bin that the wind wot the spout made a-goin' round
+filled the sail she had spread, an' so kep' her up.
+
+"'Clew up the foretops'l!' hollered Pierre Crust.
+
+"'Let it alone,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he. 'D'ye want to fall
+off this 'ere marine buzz-saw an' git drownded?'
+
+"'Stop the ship; we're out o' our course,' sez Tobias Kitten, the
+carpenter, w'ich the same he ort to bin a tailor, 'cos w'y, he didn't
+know no more about a ship nor a feller wot sits cross-legged onto a
+table an' mends pants fur a livin'.
+
+"'Out o' our course!' sez the Cap'n, sez he. 'I wish the bloomin'
+water-spout were out o't.'
+
+"All hands was a-layin' flat on deck, with our feet agin' the lee
+rail--leastways it ort to bin the lee rail, 'cos it were the one wot
+were down, but it weren't, 'cos the wind were blowin' up, an' things was
+ginerally goin' back end fust, like a Chinese junk in a head-sea.
+
+"'D'ye think she'd right herself ef we cut away the masts?' Cap'n Gawge
+W. Smoke sez he to me.
+
+"'Mebbe she would,' sez I to he; 'but ef she did we'd have water on top
+o' us, an' then good-by.'
+
+"'Then I'm blowed ef I know wot to do with her,' sez he to me, sez he.
+An' me not knowin' wot to say back, I didn't say nothin', but hung on
+with both hands.
+
+"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust; 'we're a-goin' up this 'ere dreadful
+thing. Look down!'
+
+"An', sure 'nuff, w'en I looked over the side I seed a ship away down
+below us on the sea, an' her Cap'n were a-lookin' at us through a
+telescup, he were.
+
+"'Salt me down fur a mackerel,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'ef ever I
+thought that any ship o' mine would go fur to turn herself into a
+bloomin' balloon!'
+
+"All the time we was a-sailin' round an' round the spout like it was a
+corkscrew worked by steam, an' we was a-goin' up an' up.
+
+"'I wonder ef there's water 'nuff up there to float the old hooker?' sez
+Pierre Crust.
+
+"'Waal,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'she can't go aground in the clouds,
+anyhow, an' there ain't no rocks either.'
+
+"'Waal,' sez I to he, sez I, 'w'ere d'ye think she will go?'
+
+"An' he jess looks at me fur a minute, an' then sez he, 'Preehaps you'd
+like to get out a chart an' figger out yer position,' sez he to me, him
+bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate.
+
+"All this time the _Herrin' Bones_ were a-sailin' around an' around the
+bloomin' water-spout an' goin' up an' up. Now you know, 'cos you jess
+seed a werry short time ago, that them water-spouts widens out at the
+top till they just spreads right out into the flat clouds. Waal, we all
+commenced fur to wonder wot'd happen to us ef the _Herrin' Bones_ kep'
+on a-goin' up. Putty soon she beginned fur to lean over so that her deck
+weren't no safe place to stay on, an' then Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he
+orders all han's fur to go b'low.
+
+[Illustration: THE PRECARIOUS POSITION OF THE "HERRIN' BONES."]
+
+"'Might as well go to the clouds comf'table,' sez he. We all went b'low
+an' shut all the hatches. Then there weren't nothin' to do 'ceptin' fur
+to wait developments, as the old hen said w'en she sot down on the
+duck's egg. Byme-by the bark were hove over so fur that we was all
+a-settin' on her side, with the decks risin' up like walls on both sides
+of us. We could hear the ballast tumblin' over itself down in the hold,
+an' our stores was mixed up into the werry wust sea-salad wot any one
+ever seed.
+
+"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust, sez he, hidin' his head in a
+cracker-box, 'we're a-goin' to fall out o' the clouds upside down an' be
+all smashed up.'
+
+"He were a werry ostridge sort o' man, he were, 'cos he allers thort as
+how he were out o' danger ef he had his measly old head hid. Howsumever,
+we all thort putty much the same as he did, an' we weren't in no
+partikler humor fur to dance hornpipes about it.
+
+"'She's a gittin' furder over!' yelled Tobias Kitten.
+
+"An' so she were. We couldn't stay on the sides o' her any more, but had
+to sit down on the under sides o' the decks--wot shore-folks would call
+the ceilin'. An' the furniture in the cabin, bein' screwed fast, were
+all a-hangin' down from overhead.
+
+"'Waal, may I be squilgeed inside an' out with a paint brush,' sez Cap'n
+Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'ef ever I expected fur to be master o' any
+wessel wot were so undecent as to sail on her head.'
+
+"'Tobias Kitten,' sez I, 'slide back the hatch an inch an' tell us what
+ye can see.'
+
+"An' Tobias he laid down flat on his face, slid the hatch back, and
+peaked out. Then he shut it with a bang, an' turned paler'n he were
+afore.
+
+"'S'help me gracious goodness!' sez he; 'yo can't see nothin' 'cept
+white steam.'
+
+"Then we knowed we was up in the clouds fur sure, an' we all felt putty
+ser'ous; 'cos w'y, w'd never bin there afore, an' we didn't know nothin
+about the rules an' regulations o' livin' up there. All on a suddent
+there were a most fearful crash o' thunder.
+
+"'By the great hook block!' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'we're in
+a thunder-cloud.'
+
+"'An' mebbe w'en it begins for to rain,' sez I, 'we'll git rained down
+to 'arth agin.'
+
+"'Oh my! Oh my!' hollered Pierre Crust, out o' the cracker-box. 'On our
+heads! Oh dear! We're all dead men, sure.'
+
+"Waal, arter that fur half an hour it were not possible fur to carry on
+any werry improvin' conwersation, 'cos w'y, it were a-thunderin' an'
+a-lightnin' an' a-roarin' all around us, sech as no one never heerd
+afore. Then all on a suddent the bloomin' deck dropped right from under
+us, an' we was kinder floatin' around, a-grabbin' right an' left at
+things, all 'ceptin' Pierre Crust, an' he jess kep' his head in the
+cracker-box an' kicked out with his feet.
+
+"'We're a-fallin'! We're a-fallin'!' he yelled.
+
+"An' so we wuz. An' w'ile we wuz a-fallin' I seed the side o' the wessel
+come under me, an' then slide around till the floor o' the cabin were
+under me, an' then--boom! There were a most awful thump, an' a squash
+like wot ye hear w'en yo throw a stone into a mud-puddle, an' there we
+was."
+
+"Where?" cried both boys.
+
+"In the blessed Atlantic Ocean," said the Old Sailor, solemnly, "about a
+hundred miles this side o' Bermooda. An' Pierre Crust he pulled his head
+out o' the cracker-box an' bounced on deck, an' sez he:
+
+"'Wot was all you men so scared about? Turn to, now, an' get the cloth
+on her, an' we'll make Sandy Hook Light-ship in two days.'
+
+"An' so we did, too. An' w'en we got to New York we read in the papers
+as how the Cap'n o' the ship _Beeswax_ had seen a cur'ous mirage of a
+ship sailin' round an' round a water-spout. But we never could get
+nobody to b'lieve as how 'twere us."
+
+
+
+
+IN THE OLD HERRICK HOUSE.
+
+BY ELLEN DOUGLAS DELAND.
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+The first week of Valentine's stay passed rapidly. So much of his time
+was occupied in visits to the oculist and in seeing the sights of the
+city that he was not in the house during the greater part of the day.
+
+The Misses Herrick began to fuel some degree of liking for the boy, who,
+though occasionally noisy, was always polite, and he and Elizabeth were
+soon firm friends.
+
+She had carried out her intention of consulting him about the affairs
+which most interested her. She had told him of her longing for their
+father's return and of the letter she had written to him; she had even
+conducted him to the mysterious room.
+
+Her aunts had gone out of town for the afternoon, and Miss Rice was also
+absent. The coast was exceptionally clear, for Marie, who had charge of
+the little girl, was only too ready to neglect her duties.
+
+Elizabeth was somewhat disappointed, however, by the effect produced
+upon Valentine by the disclosure of the room, or rather, the lack
+effect. He was apparently not in the least impressed.
+
+He looked about him, inspected the letters, took down a little clock
+from the mantelpiece and examined it, and then walked to the window.
+
+"Well," said Elizabeth, who was impatiently waiting for some expression
+of wonder, "what do you think of it?"
+
+"I don't see anything to make such a fuss over. Just a room, like
+anybody's else."
+
+"But whose was it?"
+
+"Don't know and don't care."
+
+"You don't? Why, I think it is the most exciting thing I ever heard of!"
+
+"If that isn't just like a girl! I suppose Marjorie would go wild over
+it too. But come along down to the garden. I haven't seen the Brady
+family yet, and I believe that is one of the girls down in the alley
+now."
+
+"It is," said Elizabeth, joining him at the window. "It is Eva Louise.
+Very well, we will go down. But I do wish you would be more excited over
+the room."
+
+"It takes a good deal to excite me," replied her guest. "If it were a
+game of football, now, or a bicycle-race, I might get excited; but just
+a room!"
+
+It would be impossible to convey an idea of the lofty scorn expressed by
+Valentine's voice; and much disappointed and feeling somewhat crushed,
+Elizabeth put away the keys. Then getting her hat and warm jacket, for
+the fall days were growing colder, she followed Valentine to the garden,
+and together they went out through the back gate.
+
+It is one of the peculiarities of Philadelphia that small streets known
+as "alleys" intersect the larger thoroughfares, and in many cases behind
+the handsomest houses are small dwellings in which live very poor
+families.
+
+The Herricks' garden occupied a large amount of space, and the alley and
+its inhabitants were almost too far away to be noticeable; but they were
+there, all the same, and here Elizabeth's friends, the Brady family,
+lived in a manner which formed a startling contrast to her own home.
+
+"I have thought of something," exclaimed Elizabeth, stopping short in
+the alley. Eva Louise, seeing them coming, had disappeared behind her
+own back gate. Even in so humble an abode as that of the Bradys it was
+only the back which opened upon the alley.
+
+"What is it?" asked Valentine.
+
+"It is about the Bradys," said Elizabeth, standing close to him and
+speaking in a low, mysterious voice that she might not be overheard from
+the other side of the fence. "Don't you think, Val, that it must be very
+hard for those girls to live in such a tiny little house and never to
+have a bit good time? Why, Eva Louise thinks the very nicest thing she
+can do is to play jack-stones on people's door-steps. Just think of it,
+Val, jack-stones! And she told me once that she had never been inside of
+any house, except those in their street that are like their own!"
+
+"Well, what of it? We can't help it; and what is your idea?"
+
+"But we can help it! That is just what I am going to tell you. We can
+invite the Bradys in to see us."
+
+"Oh, my eye! What would Aunt Caroline say?"
+
+Elizabeth was silent for a minute. She had not thought of that. "I don't
+know," she said, slowly. "I don't suppose Aunt Caroline would like it.
+We will have to give it up."
+
+"No, we won't," returned Val, who was becoming bored with city life and
+longed for excitement of some kind. "Let's have a party to-day while the
+aunts are away. They would never know."
+
+"We might; but I should tell them afterwards, of course. I really
+should, Val."
+
+"Seems to me you are getting pretty particular all of a sudden. How
+about that room that you go to all the time on the sly?"
+
+"That is true. I don't believe that is right. Why didn't you say so
+before, Val? I will tell Aunt Caroline to-night."
+
+"I say," interrupted Valentine, "I've got a dandy idea! Let's ask the
+Brady family over, and take them up to that room! No one will ever know,
+and it would be a jolly lark. I'll open the front door, and the servants
+won't know, either. It will be no end of fun. You go after them now and
+bring them over. You see, if we had them in the other part of the house
+we couldn't keep them out of sight, and the servants would make a fuss."
+
+Elizabeth looked doubtful. "I should like to," she said, "but we shall
+have to keep very quiet there, and not disturb the things in the room
+much. It really seems as if we ought to give them a good time, though,
+and when I explain it all to Aunt Caroline I don't believe she will
+mind; do you? At least, not so very much."
+
+"Of course she won't," said Valentine, hopefully, upon whom the scheme
+had taken a strong hold. "Go and get them and bring them around to the
+front door, and I will let you in."
+
+And without giving her time to remonstrate, Val left her and ran up the
+garden walk to the house.
+
+"After all," said Elizabeth to herself, "it can't be a wrong thing to
+do, for it says in the Bible that when people give parties they ought to
+invite all kinds of queer people. I remember perfectly it says to call
+in the lame, the halt, and the blind. I always thought 'call in' was
+such a funny expression, but I am sure it says it somewhere in the
+Bible, and I think it was about that party. Now the Brady family are not
+lame or blind, but perhaps they are halt. I never knew what halt meant,
+and very likely they _are_ halt. Anyhow, I mean to call them in." And
+suiting the action to the word, she raised her voice and called loudly:
+"Eva Louise! Eva Louise!"
+
+Eva Louise had been surveying her neighbors through a hole in the fence
+for some time. She had even caught a word or two of the conversation,
+and had heard her own name mentioned, but she had not understood what it
+was all about. Now, seeing that Elizabeth was alone, she opened the
+gate.
+
+"What do yer want?" she asked.
+
+"Is Bella at home?"
+
+"Guess so."
+
+"And Tom?"
+
+"Nope."
+
+"Is Dick?"
+
+"Nope."
+
+"Isn't George?"
+
+"Nope."
+
+"Nor Billy?"
+
+"Nope."
+
+"Oh, dear me, I am so sorry! Then who is at home?"
+
+"Me an' Bella an' the baby an' ma an', I guess, pop. He's mostly home.
+Pop ain't workin' now, but the boys is. What do yer want?"
+
+"Well, I want to invite you all over to our house. I am sorry the boys
+are not at home." Here Elizabeth paused, somewhat embarrassed. She did
+not care particularly about having "ma" and "pop" Brady. The former was
+inclined to be cross, and there was a disagreeable odor about Mr. Brady
+which it was well to avoid. Elizabeth did not know just what it was, but
+it reminded her of that which was sometimes wafted to her from a corner
+saloon. Clearly it would not do to "call in" Mr. and Mrs. Brady. "Well,"
+she said, with a sudden inspiration, "this is to be a young people's
+party. My brother and I are going to give it. I want to invite you and
+Bella to my house right away."
+
+"To your house?" repeated the wondering Eva Louise.
+
+"Yes. And we will go around outside to Fourth Street. Go get Bella."
+
+So Eva Louise went into the house and informed her astonished family
+that she and Bella were "axed to a party over to Herrickses." Whereupon
+Mrs. Brady promptly seized first one and then the other of her
+daughters, vigorously applied a scrubbing-brush to hands and faces, set
+upon the tangled heads two gaudy hats with lace and flowers, pinned
+together the gaping rent in Bella's frock, and pronounced them ready.
+
+"And mind yer manners," she cautioned. "Act pretty, an' mebbe the
+ladies'll give yer each a present. There's no knowin'."
+
+And then they rejoined Elizabeth in the alley, where she had waited,
+their hearts beating high with hope.
+
+The little group passed out of the alley and around through Spruce
+Street to Fourth Street. A number of people turned and looked at the
+oddly assorted trio walking so soberly along, Elizabeth, in her large
+felt hat and pretty jacket, between Eva Louise and Bella, in their
+tawdry finery and ragged frocks; but Elizabeth was quite unconscious of
+attracting attention.
+
+Her mind was absorbed with a new question which had presented itself.
+She had never heard of a party where the guests were not given some kind
+of refreshment, and she knew of no way in which she could provide it for
+the present occasion.
+
+It would not do to ask the servants for something to eat, neither would
+it be proper to stop and buy what was necessary at the cake-shop while
+her guests were with her. She must consult with Valentine.
+
+[Illustration: THE ARRIVAL OF EVA LOUISE AND BELLA.]
+
+Her fellow-conspirator was watching for them, and opened the door at
+once.
+
+"Everything is all right," he whispered to Elizabeth. "The cook is busy
+making cake, and the other girls are all chattering, and James has gone
+round to the stable to see the men there. There won't be anybody around
+to see us. We'll take them right up."
+
+"But wait a minute, Val," returned Elizabeth; "I want to ask you
+something. And first I must introduce you. That is the way I have heard
+Aunt Caroline do sometimes. This is my brother, Mr. Valentine Herrick,
+Miss Eva Louise and Miss Bella Brady. Now you know each other and can
+talk. If I had not introduced you, you know, you would not have been
+able to talk at all."
+
+Apparently the introduction did not have the desired effect of promoting
+conversation, for Bella put her finger in her mouth, and Eva Louise
+turned her back upon the company, while Val himself with difficulty
+repressed a laugh.
+
+"Will you please walk into the drawing-room and sit down a minute?" said
+their hostess. "I must speak to my brother, if you will please excuse
+me."
+
+The guests obeyed, and were presently seated upon two of
+great-grandfather Herrick's chairs with the high carved backs, while
+Julius Cćsar from the window-seat stared in astonishment.
+
+"We must give them something to eat, Val," whispered Elizabeth, in the
+hall. "How shall we get it?"
+
+"I will go buy it," returned Val, promptly. "Let's see; have you got any
+money?"
+
+"Yes; I have seventy-five cents, and if that isn't enough, I have some
+more in my little bank."
+
+"Oh, that is enough, with what I've got. You will have to stay in the
+parlor till I get back, so as to let me in," and seizing his cap, he was
+off.
+
+Elizabeth rejoined her visitors in the drawing-room and tried to make a
+conversation. Somehow, to talk to the Brady girls had never before been
+so difficult. In the alley there was always so much to say. Now they sat
+stiffly and straight upon their chairs, and their faces looked
+preternaturally solemn. There was silence in the room for a few
+minutes, and Julius came and rubbed himself against Elizabeth's feet.
+This suggested a topic.
+
+"Do you like cats?" she asked.
+
+"Yes," said Bella.
+
+"Nope," said Eva Louise, simultaneously.
+
+There was another pause.
+
+"It is a very nice day to-day."
+
+"Yes," they both replied.
+
+Elizabeth thought deeply for several minutes. What could she say next?
+
+"Are you at all halt?" she asked, presently.
+
+The Misses Brady merely stared.
+
+"Are you at all halt?" she repeated.
+
+"Yes, I guess so," answered Bella, who, though doubtful, thought it
+polite to agree.
+
+"Oh, that is a good thing," said Elizabeth, in a relieved tone. "I did
+not exactly know, you know, so I thought I had better ask. I am very
+glad you are halt. That makes it all right. And there is my brother come
+back. I will go and let him in, and then we will go up to the party."
+
+Valentine returned laden with oddly shaped packages, and the four
+ascended the stairs together.
+
+"It's a dandy old feast I've got," whispered the boy; "all the things
+that look so good, but you never have at home. We shall need some
+plates, though. I'll put these bundles down at the door, and while you
+are getting the keys I'll run down to the dining-room for the plates."
+
+He came back in a short time with a pile of Miss Herrick's best china,
+the plates which were used for the salad course when she gave a dinner;
+and Elizabeth having procured the keys, they entered the room. The
+guests were still under the spell of silence. Being invited to remove
+their hats, they did so and laid them on the bed. Then they gazed at the
+floor.
+
+"What shall we do?" said Elizabeth to Val, in an under-tone. She had
+never before realized what hard work it was to give a party.
+
+"Let's begin on the grub," suggested her brother, whose appetite was
+sharpened by the thought of the cake-shop dainties which could never be
+enjoyed at home.
+
+This seemed to be the best thing to do under existing circumstances, and
+Elizabeth removed the few articles which were on the table, and Val
+lifted it over to the centre of the room. A towel was spread over it for
+a table-cloth, the plates were set thereon, and then Val opened his
+packages and proudly placed the contents upon the plates.
+
+There was a half pie, presumably custard, four large cocoanut balls,
+four sour-balls, four huge doughnuts, four buns (generously speckled
+with currants), and, crowning delicacy, a paper box of vanilla
+ice-cream.
+
+Valentine made another raid upon the dining-room, and returned with
+forks, knives, and spoons, announcing that he had barely escaped meeting
+James, who was on his way up the back stairs just as Val left the
+pantry.
+
+The guests were then invited to draw up their chairs, which they did
+with an alacrity that was most encouraging.
+
+"I wonder if 'halt' means hungry?" thought Elizabeth. "I shouldn't
+wonder if it did."
+
+She politely ignored the fact that both visitors scorned the assistance
+of forks in eating the pie, and devoted herself to removing currants
+from a bun. Somehow it did not seem an appetizing feast to her, but
+Valentine and the Brady girls were enjoying it, and that was all that
+was necessary.
+
+At last the repast was over, the final course, consisting of a
+sour-ball, which so protruded the cheek of each member of the party that
+speech was for a time impossible, and then Elizabeth wondered what they
+should do next.
+
+"Suppose we play a game," suggested Val, as soon as he could speak.
+
+"So we will," agreed Elizabeth. "What shall it be? Eva Louise, do you
+know any nice games?"
+
+"Nope."
+
+"Do you, Bella?"
+
+"Jack-stones."
+
+"Oh yes, jack-stones. Well, we haven't got any."
+
+"Yes, we have, too. I brung 'em."
+
+"Oh, did you?"
+
+Apparently there was no help for it. Elizabeth despised jack-stones,
+which hurt her knuckles, and which she never could catch; but one must
+be polite in one's own house.
+
+"I say, you are funny ones!" said Val, who had thoroughly enjoyed his
+luncheon, and had now time to grasp the situation. Elizabeth's company
+manners amused him extremely, and the whole thing was "no end of a
+lark," as he expressed it.
+
+"Why don't you play something you don't play at home?" he asked. "Let's
+try 'Fish, flesh, or fowl,' or 'When I was in Spain,' or some other nice
+game?"
+
+Bella said nothing, but Eva Louise at last found her voice.
+
+"Ef we don't play jack-stones, we ain't agoin' to play nuthin'. We're
+agoin' home."
+
+Bella here nudged her sister's elbow.
+
+"We ain't agoin' home till we get our presents. Yer know what ma said."
+
+This aside was so plainly audible to the host and hostess, that
+Elizabeth looked shocked, but Val roared with laughter.
+
+"Very well," said Elizabeth; "we will play jack-stones."
+
+But at the first throw Val, in the exuberance of his feelings, tossed
+them so high that one landed on the table, right in the centre of one of
+Miss Herrick's delicate china plates, breaking it squarely in two.
+
+"My eye!" exclaimed the boy. "What have I done?"
+
+"Jack-stones are a hateful game, anyhow," cried Elizabeth, whose dismay
+caused her to forget her manners. "I don't know what Aunt Caroline will
+say. It is all your fault, Eva Louise, that Val broke the plate, for you
+made us play jack-stones."
+
+"'Tain't, neither," returned Eva Louise, with asperity. "No one didn't
+tell him to throw the jack up there. An' ef this is what yer call a
+party, I don't think much of it. We hev as good pie as that at home, an'
+we can get ice-cream o' the ice-cream man any day he comes round. I say,
+Bella, let us go home."
+
+But Bella still held back. Elizabeth looked at them for a moment in
+silent wrath, and then her feelings found words.
+
+"Well, I should be very glad indeed if you did go home. I think you are
+very rude girls. And I never knew you had ice-cream whenever you wanted
+it, and all those nice things."
+
+"No more we do," interposed Bella; "leastways, I never seen it. Eva
+Louise was makin' that up, I guess."
+
+"Oh, was she? Then she tells stories, does she? I don't want to have
+anything more to do with you. You are very, _very_ rude girls, and I am
+sorry I invited you to the party. I only asked you because you were
+halt."
+
+"I dun'no' what yer talkin' about," replied Eva Louise, as she put on
+her hat; "only I guess yer'd better not name me no names, or I'll hev
+yer 'rested. Halt! I ain't no halt;" and with her head held high as she
+proudly sniffed the air, she walked from the room. Bella still lingered.
+
+"Don't yer give no presents at yer party?" she asked.
+
+Elizabeth had already begun to repent of her hasty speech. She feared
+that she had been rude, and she felt that she must make amends.
+
+"Wait a minute," she said, flying up the short flight of stairs which
+led to her own room.
+
+Eva Louise delayed her departure, and Bella looked more hopeful.
+Valentine hovered in the background, wondering what was going to happen
+next.
+
+Presently Elizabeth returned. In one hand she held a silver calendar
+which had ornamented her desk, in the other a handsomely bound book.
+
+"These are all I can find," she said, bestowing one upon either guest.
+"You see, I have to give you things that are really my own, and not Aunt
+Caroline's or Aunt Rebecca's. Val, we will go down with them to the
+front door."
+
+The little procession in silence descended the two long double flights
+of stairs. The front door was opened for them, and the two visitors
+were about to depart, one carrying the silver calendar, which flashed
+gayly in a ray of sunlight, the other holding the large red-covered
+book.
+
+"Good-by!" they said, cheerfully, feeling mollified by the presents.
+
+"Good-by," returned Val and Elizabeth.
+
+And even as they spoke a carriage drew up at the door, and from it
+stepped Miss Herrick. She paused in astonishment, and looked at the two
+strange figures emerging from her own front door, and at the two
+frightened faces in the hall beyond.
+
+"What does this mean?" she asked, as she swept by them into the house
+and the door was closed.
+
+[TO BE CONTINUED.]
+
+
+
+
+THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.
+
+THE AMUSEMENT CLUB.
+
+BY EMMA J. GRAY.
+
+
+The sun was setting one afternoon in late September. The deep blue sky
+was dappled with rosy golden and white clouds, but a glance at the
+brown-stone houses opposite revealed the unhappy thought that we were
+once again in our old town-house. I tried to imagine I was mistaken;
+that the lapse of summer-time had never been; that, indeed, all the
+happy vacation had not drifted by; that the moss-grown bridges,
+low-hanging branches, and piny woods were yet to come; that I must be
+asleep and having a horrible nightmare.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+But, "Amy! Amy! Where are you?" woke up my foolish reverie, and "Will
+and I have been hunting all over for you!" were the half-annoyed words
+which followed, as my friend Irene Sloane and her brother stood before
+me in our second-floor front room.
+
+Irene was my most intimate friend; it was rare when a day passed without
+her being in my house or I in hers. Therefore the absence of ceremony in
+the hunt she had just made. Her brother, too, I had known always, and
+now that they had rushed in--for rushed is the only way to describe
+their entrance, so excited and all of a flutter they seemed--I forgot
+all about my foolish dreaming, and exclaimed, "Do sit down both of you,
+and tell what's up!"
+
+But Irene was too excited to sit down; she had come to tell a "splendid
+plan. And don't you think so, Will?" and it was "Mamma's idea," and much
+more of a similar purport, until Will, who had taken a chair, hastily
+rose, and with a most sober face and energetic manner, exclaimed:
+
+"Irene, what's the use of beating about the bush any longer? Tell Amy
+all about it, and then she'll have a chance to have her say too."
+
+"Well, the plan is to form an Amusement Club. It will seem awfully
+stupid to be at home after all our fun last summer. Don't you think so?"
+
+"Certainly I do, for I was thinking just before you came that we'd
+gotten back to hardtack sure enough; there seems nothing to look forward
+to but books and study."
+
+"Oh, hardtack fiddlestick! I'm ashamed of you both," interjected Will;
+"though I'm willing to admit," the boy continued, with a deep sigh, "it
+does come awfully hard to study after such a long loaf. But this
+Amusement Club will fix us up fine; it will give no end of jolly times,
+for, only think, we'll all meet once a week, or once a fortnight, and
+that will be amusement enough for one evening."
+
+"Do explain it, Will. I can't make any sense out of what you are trying
+to tell me."
+
+"Mamma will explain, for she said she would take charge of the first
+meeting."
+
+"Yes," interrupted Irene, and then excitedly tossing her two long braids
+back, "the first meeting is to be at our house next Saturday afternoon
+at three o'clock. What do you think of that for a starter?"
+
+"All right; only where do I come in? You haven't asked me yet?"
+
+"Aren't you ashamed to talk so, Amy De Nyse, when you know that not only
+are you expected to come, but to help Will and me invite all the other
+girls and boys?"
+
+"Which way could we invite them the easiest? And do you think you'd tell
+what they were invited for, or surprise them?"
+
+"I say, surprise them. Don't you, Will?" And Irene looked questioningly
+toward her brother; and as he nodded his head she continued, "But I'd
+tell them it's important and a secret."
+
+"Good! people are sure to be on hand if there's a secret around."
+
+"And as to the way of inviting them," Will said, "the best way would be
+to make a list of names, and then cut them apart, each take an equal
+number--or I don't care if I take one or two extra."
+
+"And you know what mamma said," his sister replied; "not to invite too
+many for the first meeting."
+
+"Now what do you think of the prospect, Amy?"
+
+"Capital! I've heard so much about clubs, that I've been wanting to join
+one for a long time."
+
+"And I too," exclaimed Irene.
+
+"An athletic club, you refer to, I suppose, running-matches, etc.," said
+mischievous Will as he pulled his sister's long braid, for he was a
+great tease, and knew that both Amy and Irene had lost at a
+running-match during the summer, and indeed they were anything else but
+athletes, taking far too kindly to hammocks, and lounging around
+generally.
+
+And after a little more merry conversation, in which "vacation" and
+"club" were prominent words, the brother and sister took their
+departure.
+
+Thus it was that the following Saturday afternoon found twenty jolly
+girls and boys seated in Irene Sloane's library. And what a chattering!
+Magpies were silent by contrast. Indeed, it was more like a riot than a
+meeting until Mrs. Sloane entered, when, presto! what a change! Not that
+she was feared, however, for, on the contrary, she was greatly beloved
+by all of her children's friends. It was only that the children were
+half awed, being so full of expectation, anticipating they knew not
+what, and also because the sudden presence of an older person always
+does result in changing the atmosphere of a room.
+
+A few moments after the cordial greetings were extended Mrs. Sloane
+explained the purpose of their meeting.
+
+For example, several of them had returned from vacation with scores of
+new ideas on the subject of entertaining; many new games and amusements
+had been learned. Now why not help others by teaching these. That each
+member, in fact, must pledge himself or herself to advance the cause of
+amusement by teaching a new game, charade, or something pertaining to
+entertainment once a month. And with that point in view, everybody must
+keep wide awake, and on the constant lookout. Also establish a habit of
+getting up novel entertainment and inventing games. Remember, somebody
+originated every game known.
+
+By being members of this club, each person would also receive help as to
+the management of business meetings, for, in the main, every business
+meeting was conducted in a similar manner, and as many middle-aged
+people did not understand even the ordinary duties of chairman, they
+could not do better than learn when young.
+
+One of the boys interrupted by inquiring if they might come to her for
+advice if they were in a quandary.
+
+"Certainly; any time," was the assured answer; "but I know I can trust
+everybody here to help one another;" and Mrs. Sloane looked thoughtfully
+around. "Indeed, I am confident you will all take so much pleasure out
+of this organization that you will wonder you had not started an
+amusement club before. You will be too proud to have failure;" and then,
+with a cordial smile, added, "you have too good comradeship to have
+discord."
+
+"Before we proceed to the election of officers, I wish to say I will
+stay in the chair this afternoon until about the time to adjourn, when
+your president will assume his position, and hereafter he will always be
+in charge of each meeting, unless necessarily absent, in which event the
+vice-president will act in his stead." Then, with a pleasant look around
+on all the upturned faces, Mrs. Sloane said, "We are now ready for the
+nominations for president."
+
+Several names were promptly mentioned, and as none of the nominees
+declined, they were voted upon by ballot. Mrs. Sloane named three boys
+to distribute and afterwards count the ballots.
+
+The ballot papers were very small, about three inches one way and two
+the other, and as they had been prepared beforehand, there was no
+hinderance. Therefore it was but the work of a few minutes to distribute
+a paper to each person, on which every one immediately wrote the name
+preferred. The ballots were then collected and counted; each nominee
+received some votes, but the largest number being for Will Sloane, he
+was announced as president. Whereupon one of the club immediately rose
+and said, "I move the vote to be made unanimous." This being seconded,
+Will Sloane's name was called amidst cheers, claps, and huzzahs, for the
+excitement was now too great for the children to keep altogether quiet.
+
+After this there followed the elections of vice-president, secretary,
+and treasurer, all being elected in a similar manner.
+
+There was also a board of directors added, consisting of eight people
+and the president. This board Mrs. Sloane selected, and of the eight
+named five were girls; the duty of the board being to talk over various
+questions affecting club work; for example, how money could be expended,
+whether entertainment would be given for charity--indeed, all matters of
+import. After such discussions by the board, the matter would be
+presented by one of its members at the first regular club meeting, and
+there acted upon.
+
+It was decided to hold the meetings every second Saturday evening at
+seven o'clock, and that no meeting could extend beyond one hour and a
+half; that the chairman would open the meetings promptly, and that
+twelve people would constitute a quorum. And any matter by them decided
+must be acceded to by the entire club.
+
+That the fee would be ten cents a week, paid regularly. That they should
+have more members; but Mrs. Sloane advised the number should be limited
+to thirty, as too great a number would be difficult to control.
+
+The duty of the treasurer would be to receive and keep a correct account
+of the reception and disbursement of money, and that he should give a
+report of the same at the first meeting of each month.
+
+The secretary should enroll the names and residences of the officers and
+members; he should write the minutes of each meeting, and read them at
+the following one.
+
+The order of conducting the meeting would be:
+
+Calling to Order; Secretary's Report; Treasurer's Report; Unfinished
+Business; New Business; Adjournment.
+
+As Mrs. Sloane now thought that the children were taxed enough for one
+day, and that they would enjoy an after-talk by themselves, she thanked
+the club for their courtesy, and with a most gracious smile towards her
+son, added, "I now have the pleasure of conducting you to the chair."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This said, she stepped one side. He pleasantly bowed, and took the place
+made vacant by his mother.
+
+No sooner had she retired than Mrs. Sloane laughingly said, "I move we
+adjourn."
+
+When at once Amy De Nyse, who had been unusually quiet, jumped to her
+feet. "Before that motion is seconded, I move a vote of thanks to Mrs.
+Sloane," and she was about to add, "for her patience and goodness to us
+this afternoon," but her voice was drowned in the hearty ringing voices
+of the happy children who had now informally gathered about their
+leader, and each one thanked her warmly and heartily over and yet over
+again. And then were heard such expressions as, "You'll have to come to
+all of our entertainments," "Won't we have jolly fun practising the
+different charades, tableaux, and games?" and "When we get money enough,
+perhaps we can have a regular club-room, with a platform, curtain, and
+scenery."
+
+And that thought proved the inspiration for another and yet another,
+until one of the boys reached a grand climax by waving a handkerchief
+over his head and shouting: "I have a scheme. Let us get up specialties,
+and make a charge to show them. Why, this club may make us all rich
+yet!"
+
+
+
+
+Out on Long Island there is to-day an exceedingly angry farmer. He can
+usually be found nursing his wrath on the top of a rail-fence near his
+barn an hour before sunset. His big jack-knife digs deeply into the
+piece of wood it is whittling as the farmer emphasizes his wrath.
+
+"Talk about the benefit newspapers are to the country--bah!" he
+exclaims. "The other night I had all my chickens stole 'cept two, and
+that old town paper recorded it in big type, and let the whole country
+know about it in less than no time. What do you suppose the result was,
+eh? Why, the thieves that took them chicks thought they got them all,
+and when they read in the paper that two was left behind, what did they
+do but come around the very next night when I never expected them, and
+they took the other two. I don't see much use for newspapers that tells
+everything a thief wants to know."
+
+
+
+
+THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND.
+
+
+Many people doubtless know that upon the accession of a new monarch to
+the throne of England a new Seal is struck, and the old one is cut into
+four pieces and deposited in the Tower of London. In former times the
+fragments of these great Seals were distributed among certain poor
+people of religious houses. When her Majesty Queen Victoria ascended the
+throne of England, the late Benjamin Wyon, R.A., the chief engraver of
+her Majesty's Mint, designed the beautiful work of the present Great
+Seal of England. The details of the design are: obverse, an equestrian
+figure of the Queen attended by a page, her Majesty wearing over a habit
+a flowing and sumptuous robe, and a collar of the Order of the Garter.
+In her right hand she bears the sceptre, and on her head is placed a
+regal tiara. The attendant page, with his bonnet in his hand, looks up
+to the Queen, who is gracefully restraining the impatient charger, which
+is richly decorated with plumes and trappings. The legend "Victoria Dei
+Gratia Britainniarum Regina, Fidei Defensor," is engraved in Gothic
+letters, the spaces between the words being filled with heraldic roses.
+The reverse side of the Seal shows the Queen, royally robed and crowned,
+holding in her right hand the sceptre, and in her left the orb, seated
+upon a throne beneath a niched Gothic canopy; on each side is a figure
+of Justice and Religion; and in the exergue the royal arms and crown,
+the whole encircled by a wreath or border of oak and roses.
+
+The Seal itself is a silver mould in two parts, technically called a
+pair of dies. When an impression is to be taken or cast, the parts are
+closed to receive the melted wax, which is poured through an opening at
+the top of the Seal. As each impression is attached to a document by a
+ribbon or slip of parchment, its ends are put into the Seal before the
+wax is poured in, so that when the hard impression is taken from the
+dies the ribbon or parchment is neatly affixed to it. The impression of
+the Seal is six inches in diameter and three-fourths of an inch in
+thickness. The Great Seals of England are interesting from their bearing
+portraits of the sovereigns, as in the Seals of Offa and Ethelwolf, and
+that of Edgar with a bust in profile. After William I. all the Kings are
+on one side on horseback, the face turned to the right, except that of
+Charles I., which is turned to the left. Edward IV. first carries the
+close crown; Edward the Confessor and Henry I. and Henry II. are seated
+with the sword and dove. Wax was not uniformly used for Seals, as
+impressions occur in gold, silver, and lead, also in various other
+substances. The colors have varied, but red appears to have been the
+most ancient.
+
+
+
+
+THE VOYAGE OF THE "RATTLETRAP."
+
+BY HAYDEN CARRUTH.
+
+VI.
+
+Besides the cactus, another form of vegetation which began to attract
+more and more of Ollie's attention was the red tumbleweed. Indeed, Jack
+and I found ourselves interested in it also. The ordinary tumbleweed,
+green when growing, and gray when tumbling, had long been familiar to
+us, but the red variety was new. The old kind which we knew seldom grew
+more than two feet in diameter; it was usually almost exactly round, and
+with its finely branched limbs, was almost as solid as a big sponge, and
+when its short stem broke off at the top of the ground in the fall it
+would go bounding away across the prairie for miles. The red sort seemed
+to be much the same, except for its color and size. We saw many six or
+seven feet, perhaps more, in diameter, though they were rather flat, and
+not probably over three or four feet high.
+
+The first one we saw was on edge, and going at a great rate across the
+prairie, bounding high into the air, and acting as if it had quite gone
+crazy, as there was a strong wind blowing.
+
+"Look at that overgrown red tumbleweed!" exclaimed Jack. "I never saw
+anything like _that_ before. Jump on the pony, Ollie, and catch the
+varmint and bring it back here!"
+
+[Illustration: OLLIE AND THE TUMBLEWEED.]
+
+Ollie was willing enough to do this, and the pony was willing enough to
+go, so off they went. I think if the weed had had a fair field that
+Ollie would never have overtaken it, but it got caught in the long grass
+occasionally, and he soon came up to it. But the pony was not used to
+tumbleweed-coursing, and shied off with a startled snort. Ollie brought
+her about and made another attempt. But again the frightened pony ran
+around it. Half a dozen times this was repeated. At last she happened to
+dash around it on the wrong side just as it bounded into the air before
+the wind. It struck both horse and rider like a big dry-land wave, and
+Ollie seized it. If the poor pony had been frightened before, she was
+now terror-stricken, and gave a jump like a tiger, and shot away faster
+than we had ever seen her run before. Ollie had lost control of her, and
+could only cling to the saddle with one hand and hold to the big
+blundering weed with the other. Fortunately the pony ran toward the
+wagon. As they came up we could see little but tumbleweed and pony legs,
+and it looked like nothing so much as a hay-stack running away on its
+own legs. When the pony came up to the wagon, she stopped so suddenly
+that Ollie went over her head. But he still clung to the weed, and
+struck the ground inside of it. He jumped up, still in the weed, so that
+it now looked like a hay-stack on two legs. We pulled him out of it, and
+found him none the worse for his adventure. But he was a little
+frightened, and said:
+
+"I don't think I'll chase those things again, Uncle Jack--not with that
+pony."
+
+"Oh, that's all right, Ollie," said Jack. "I'm going to organize the
+Nebraska Cross-Country Tumbleweed Club, and you'll want to come to the
+meets. We'll give the weed one minute start, and the first man that
+catches it will get a prize of--of a watermelon, for instance."
+
+"Well, I think I'll take another horse before I try it," returned Ollie.
+
+"Might try Old Browny," I said. "If he ever came up to a tumbleweed he
+would lie right down on it and go to sleep."
+
+"Yes, and Blacky would hold it with one foot and eat it up," said Jack.
+"Unless he took a notion to turn around and kick it out of existence."
+
+We looked the queer plant over carefully, and found it so closely
+branched that it was impossible to see into it more than a few inches.
+The branches were tough and elastic, and when it was tossed up it would
+rebound from the ground several inches. But it was as light as a thistle
+ball, and when we turned it loose it rolled away across the prairie
+again as if nothing had happened.
+
+"They're bad things sometimes when there is a prairie fire," said Jack.
+"No matter how wide the fire-break may be, a blazing tumbleweed will
+often roll across it, and set fire to the grass beyond. They've been
+known to leap over streams of considerable width, too, or fall in the
+water and float across, still blazing. Two years ago the town of
+Frontenac was burned up by a tumbleweed, though the citizens had made an
+approved fire-break by ploughing two circles of furrows around their
+village and burning off the grass between them. These big red ones must
+be worse than the others. I believe," he went on, "that tumbleweeds
+might be used to carry messages, like carrier-pigeons. The next one we
+come across we'll try it."
+
+That afternoon we caught a fine specimen, and Jack securely fastened
+this message to it and turned it adrift:
+
+     "Schooner Rattletrap, September --, 188-: Latitude, 42.50;
+     Longitude, 99.35. To Whom it may Concern: From Prairie Flower,
+     bound for Deadwood. All well except Old Blacky, who has an
+     appetite."
+
+The night after our stop by the unfinished house we again camped on the
+open prairie, a quarter of a mile from a settler's house, where we got
+water for the horses. This house was really a "dugout," being more of a
+cellar than a house. It was built in the side of a little bank, the back
+of the sod roof level with the ground, and the front but two or three
+feet above it.
+
+"I'd be afraid, if I were living in it, that a heavy rain in the night
+might fill it up, and float the bed-stead, and bump my nose on the
+ceiling," said Jack.
+
+[Illustration: "CARRYING EVERYTHING THAT WAS LOOSE BEFORE IT."]
+
+It had been a warm afternoon, but when we went to bed it was cooler,
+though there was no wind stirring. The smoke of our camp-fire went
+straight up. There was no moon, but the sky was clear, and we remarked
+that we had not seen the stars look so bright any night before. The
+front of our wagon stood toward the northwest. We went to bed, but at
+two o'clock we were awakened by a most violent shaking of the cover. The
+wind was blowing a gale, and the whole top seemed about to be going by
+the board. We scrambled up, and I heard Jack's voice calling for me to
+come out. The cover bows were bent far over, and the canvas pressed in
+on the side to the southwest till it seemed as if it must burst. The
+front end of the top had gone out and was cracking in the wind. I crept
+forward, and as I did so I felt the wagon rise up on the windward side
+and bump back on the ground. I concluded we were doomed to a wreck, and
+called to Ollie to get out as fast as he could. I supposed a hard storm
+had struck us, but as I went over the dashboard I was astonished to see
+the stars shining as brightly as ever in the deep, dark sky. Jack was
+clinging to the rear wagon wheel on the windward side, which was all
+that had saved it from capsizing. He called to me to take hold of the
+tongue and steer the craft around with the stern to the gale. I did so,
+while he turned on the wheel. As it came around, the loose sides of the
+cover began to flutter and crack, while the puckering-string gave way,
+and the wind swept through the wagon, carrying everything that was loose
+before it, including Ollie, who was just getting over the dashboard. He
+was not hurt, but just then we heard a most pitiful yelping, as Jack's
+blankets and pillow went rolling away from where the wagon had stood. It
+was Snoozer going with them. The yelping disappeared in the darkness,
+and we heard frying-pans, tin plates, and other camp articles clattering
+away with the rest. The Rattletrap itself had tried to run before the
+gale, but I had put on the brake and stopped it. The three of us then
+crouched in front of it, and waited for the wind to blow itself out. We
+could see or hear nothing of the horses. There was not a cloud in sight,
+and the stars still shone down calmly and unruffled, while the wind cut
+and hissed through the long prairie grass all about us. It kept up for
+about ten minutes, when it began to stop as suddenly as it had begun. In
+twenty minutes there was nothing but a cool, gentle breeze coming out of
+the southwest. We lit the lantern and tried to gather up our things, but
+soon realized that we could not do much that night. We found the
+unfortunate Snoozer crouched in a little depression which was perhaps an
+old buffalo wallow, but could see nothing of the horses. We concluded to
+go to bed and wait for morning.
+
+When it came we found our things scattered for over a quarter of a mile.
+We recovered everything, though the wagon-seat was broken. The horses
+had come back, so we could not tell how far they had gone before the
+wind.
+
+"I've read about those night winds on the plains," said Jack, "and we'll
+look out for 'em in the future. We'll put an anchor on Snoozer at
+least."
+
+This intelligent animal had not forgotten his night's experience, and
+stuck closely in the wagon, where he even insisted on taking his
+breakfast.
+
+The road we were following was gradually drawing closer to the Niobrara,
+and we began to see scattering pine-trees, stunted and broken, along the
+heads of the cańons or ravines leading down to the river. There was less
+sand, and we made better progress. The country was but little settled,
+and game was more plentiful. We got two or three grouse. We went into
+camp at night at the head of what appeared to be a large cańon, under a
+tempest-tossed old pine-tree, through which the wind constantly sighed.
+There was no water, but we counted on getting it down the cańon. A man
+went by on horseback, driving some cattle, who told us that we would
+find a spring down about half a mile.
+
+"Can we get any hay down there?" I asked him. "We're out of feed for the
+horses, and the grass seems pretty poor here."
+
+"Down a mile beyond the spring I have a dozen stacks," answered the man,
+"and you're welcome to all you can bring up on your pony. Just go down
+and help yourselves."
+
+We thanked him and he went on. As soon as we could we started down. It
+was beginning to get dark, and grew darker rapidly as we went down the
+ravine, as its sides were high and the trees soon became numerous. There
+was no road, nothing but a mere cattle-path, steep and stony in many
+places. We found the spring and watered all the horses, left Blacky and
+Browny, and went on after the hay with the pony, Jack leading her, and
+Ollie and I walking ahead with the lantern. It seemed a long way as we
+stumbled along in the darkness, all the time down hill.
+
+"I guess that man wasn't so liberal as he seemed," said Jack. "The pony
+will be able to carry just about enough hay up here to make Snoozer a
+bed."
+
+We plunged on, till at last the path became a little nearer level. It
+crossed a small open tract and then wound among bushes and low trees.
+Suddenly we saw something gleam in the light of the lantern, and stopped
+right on the river's bank. The water looked deep and dark, though not
+very wide. The current was swift and eddying.
+
+"We've passed the hay," I said. "It must be on that open flat we
+crossed."
+
+We went back, and turning to the right, soon found it. I set the lantern
+down and began to pull hay from one of the stacks, when the pony made a
+sudden movement, struck the lantern with her foot, and smashed the globe
+to bits.
+
+"There," exclaimed Jack, "we'll have a fine time going up that
+badger-hole of a cańon in the dark!"
+
+But there was nothing else to do, and we made up two big bundles of hay,
+and tied them to the pony's back.
+
+"She'll think it's tumbleweeds," said Ollie.
+
+"If she'd headed in the right direction I hope she will," answered Jack.
+
+We started up, but it was a long and toilsome climb. In many places Jack
+and I had to get down on our hands and knees and feel out the path. The
+worst place was a scramble up a bank twenty feet high, and covered with
+loose stones. I was ahead. The heroic little pony with her unwieldy load
+sniffed at the prospect a little, and then started bravely up, "hanging
+on by her toe-nails," as Ollie said. When she was almost to the top she
+stepped on a loose stone, lost her footing, went over, and rolled away
+into the darkness and underbrush. Jack stumbled over a little of the hay
+which had come off in the path, hastily rolled up a torch, and lit it
+with a match. By this light we found the pony on her back, like a
+tumble-bug, with her load for a cushion and her feet in the air, and
+kicking wildly in every direction. While Ollie held the torch, Jack and
+I went to her rescue, and after a vast deal of pulling and lifting, got
+her to her feet just as the hay torch died out. Again she scrambled up
+the bank, and this time with success. We went on, found the other
+horses, and were soon at the wagon. We voted the pony all the hay she
+wanted, and went to bed tired.
+
+The next day, the ninth out from Yankton, though it was a long run,
+brought us to Valentine, the first town on the railroad which we had
+seen since leaving the former place. Before we reached it we went
+several miles along the upper ends of the cańons, down a long hill so
+steep that we had to chain both hind wheels, forded the Niobrara twice,
+followed the river several miles, went out across the military
+reservation, which was like a desert, saw six or eight hundred negro
+soldiers at Fort Niobrara, and finally drove through Valentine, and went
+into camp a mile west of town. On the way we saw thousands of the
+biggest and reddest tumbleweeds, and two or three new sorts of cactus.
+The colored troops surprised Ollie, as he had never seen any before.
+
+"It's the western winds and the hot sun that's tanned those soldiers,"
+said Jack. "We'll look just that way, too, before we get back."
+
+Ollie was half inclined to believe this astonishing statement at first,
+but concluded that his uncle was joking.
+
+We went into camp on the banks of the Minichaduza River, a little brook
+which flows into the Niobrara from the northwest. It gurgled and bubbled
+all night almost under our wheels. A man stopped to chat with us as we
+sat around our camp-fire after supper. We told him of our experience in
+getting the hay the night before. He laughed and said:
+
+"Ever steal any of your horse feed?"
+
+"We haven't yet," answered Jack. "We try to be reasonably honest."
+
+[Illustration: THE YOUNG FELLOW WILTED RIGHT DOWN ON THE GROUND.]
+
+"Some don't, though," replied the man. "Most of 'em that are going West
+in a covered wagon seem to think corn in the field is public property. A
+fellow camped right here one afternoon last fall. He was out of feed,
+and took a grain sack on one arm and a big Winchester rifle on the
+other, and went over to old Brown's corn-field. He took the gun along
+not to shoot anybody, but to sort of intimidate Brown if he should catch
+him. Suddenly he saw an old fellow coming toward him carrying a gun
+about a foot longer than his own. The young fellow wilted right down on
+the ground and never moved. He happened to go down on a big prickly
+cactus, but he never stirred, cactus or no cactus. He thought Brown had
+caught him, and that he was done for. The old man kept coming nearer and
+nearer. He was almost to him. The young fellow concluded to make a brave
+fight. So he jumped up and yelled. The old man dropped his gun and ran
+like a scared wolf. Then the young fellow noticed that the other also
+had a sack in which he had been gathering corn. He called him back, they
+saw that they were both thieves, shook hands, and went ahead and robbed
+old Brown together."
+
+The man got up to go. "Well, good-night, boys," he said. "Rest as hard
+as you can to-morrow. You'll strike into the sand hills at about nine
+o'clock Monday morning. Take three days' feed, and every drop of water
+you can carry; and if you waste any of it washing your hands you're
+bigger fools than I think you are."
+
+[TO BE CONTINUED.]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT]
+
+     [_The series of four papers on the Science of Football, by Mr.
+     W. H. Lewis of the Harvard Football Team of 1893, begun in this
+     Department last week, is continued in the present issue._]
+
+
+The subject of position-play in football may best be covered by taking
+up and discussing each individual of the team in turn. The end rusher,
+therefore, should be chosen for agility, speed, endurance, and good
+judgment. The first three qualifications are necessary to enable him to
+avoid, break up, and worm his way into, through, or around the
+interference, tackle into its very midst, or take advantage of
+occasional fumbles. His duty on the offensive, or when his own side has
+the ball, will depend upon his assignment in the particular play.
+Generally the end should stand much nearer his tackle when on the
+offensive, so as to be able to get into every play. In plays through
+tackle and end, or around the end on his own side of the line, he may
+help the tackle to block or pocket the opposing tackle. If a half-back
+comes into the line between tackle and end, the end should remember to
+take the inside man, as he is the more dangerous, because uncovered and
+nearest to the play.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 1.]
+
+The great bulk of the end's work comes in the defensive game. He is to
+prevent the long runs or open plays. He should never run behind his own
+line, because of the danger of leaving his side of the line open to
+criss-cross or some trick play. The end's primary duty is to turn the
+runner in. He therefore should go in as quickly and on as sharp an angle
+as possible, so that he can meet the interference before it gets well
+formed and started. He should take the direction of A D (shown in Fig.
+1), A B C if he must, but never A E. If the opposing end plays up in the
+line opposite him, the only direction possible will be A B C.
+
+He should meet the interference with body well forward, the arms
+extended straight and stiff, so as not to be hit by the interference,
+being careful to keep a little to the outside of it. In plays through
+the middle of the line, or pile up, the ends should keep out of the
+scrimmage, so as to be sure that the runner does not come out of the
+pile.
+
+_Tackle._--If there is any one position in the line harder to play than
+another, that position is tackle. The tackle must look out for territory
+on both sides of him, and be ready to help either guard or end, as the
+emergency requires. The great majority of the plays are aimed at him.
+His constant study must be how to meet each particular play in every
+style of offence. He should stand about four feet from his guard, and
+should not allow himself to be drawn out further than six feet; the
+wider his line is drawn out, the weaker it will be and the more
+territory he will have to cover. The offensive work of the tackle
+depends largely upon the play and his assignment in it. In blocking he
+should always take the man nearest the centre, as he is the nearest to
+the starting-point of the play, and therefore the most dangerous. In
+that case he should call in his guard to take his man. On plays through
+and around the other side of the line, the tackle should momentarily
+block his man, and then get into the push or interference.
+
+When the tackle himself takes the ball, he should be careful not to give
+his intention away. He should, without notice, shift his position and
+bring his feet pretty close together, to enable him to start quickly. He
+should take off by giving his tackle a push in his chest with the open
+hand. The end should go into the opposing tackle the moment his tackle
+takes off, so as to prevent his opponent from following. When his own
+side is going to kick, the tackle should block his man long enough to
+prevent his stopping the kick, and then get down the field so as to help
+the ends prevent a return. The tackle should go nearly straight, so as
+to protect the centre of the field, the ends taking care of the sides.
+
+The great bulk of the tackle's work is on the defensive. His duty is to
+tackle everything in sight. Clean, sharp breaking through is imperative
+in a tackle. The first thing a tackle should do when he steps into the
+line on the defence, is to notice his opponent's style of blocking, and
+adapt his method of breaking through accordingly.
+
+Plays directed on the tackle call for great judgment and great strength.
+The tackle should, if possible, shove his man back and into the play.
+His next best plan to meet it is to go down in front of it good and
+stiff and pile it up. He should go into the mass head and shoulders or
+sideways, but never upon any pretext turn his back to it. In defending
+his territory against trick plays, the best and only advice that can be
+given to a tackle is to keep the eyes open, notice the alignments of the
+opposing back's, the way they stand, their facial expression, and
+movement, and try to divine which way the ball is going. When the
+opposing side is going to kick, the tackle should spread a little so as
+to give himself a better chance of getting through.
+
+_Guard._--The two guards and the centre make up the proverbial stone
+wall into which the opposing backs are supposed to ram their heads to no
+effect.
+
+A guard should stand with the foot next to centre forward if possible,
+but if a man starts quicker with that foot back, why, stand that way. He
+should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn out too far from the
+centre. If his man goes out far he should tell the quarter-back, and
+have him send a play through guard and centre, and his opponent will
+probably move in again. As long as the inner foot of the opposite guard
+is inside of the outer foot of the guard blocking, the latter ought to
+be able to take him the moment the ball starts, and run him out to the
+side lines. The guard should also keep a sharp lookout for the opposing
+quarter, and if he comes up into the line between him and centre, push
+him out with open hand.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 2.]
+
+After having made a hole if called for, or blocked his man, the next
+duty of the guard is to get into the push or interference himself. Get
+hold of the runner; if possible, pull him along. Give him a chance to
+use you in warding off would-be tacklers. One of the first duties of a
+guard is to line up quickly. He should be right beside his centre the
+moment the ball is down. The play cannot start without some one to guard
+it. When his side is going to kick, the guard should move in close to
+the centre so that no little quarter or stray back can come through and
+stop the kick. He must block well, and almost until he hears the ball
+booted, because the path through the centre is the straightest line,
+and hence the shortest distance to the kicker, as will be seen in Fig.
+3, line A B. The exact moment when he can let his man through must be
+determined by the quickness of the man in front of him and the kicker,
+as will be seen in Fig. 3. After having blocked long enough to insure
+the kicks getting away, he should get down the field with the other
+forwards to help prevent return of the ball.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 3.]
+
+On the defense there is an immense amount of hard work for the guard. He
+is primarily responsible for the ground between him and tackle, and
+secondarily for that between him and centre. In going through, this fact
+should be kept in mind. The fact that a guard must stand lower than
+tackle, and has less and different kind of territory to cover, will
+prevent him ordinarily from using as many methods of breaking through as
+a tackle. He must take some method of getting through that will enable
+him to use the body of his opponent to cover the territory between him
+and centre, and to enable him to get out and back up tackle, and that
+will put him through back to back with his man before the runner reaches
+the line.
+
+_Centre Rush._--The position of centre rush is comparatively a new one.
+Until a few years ago the middle position in the line was occupied by a
+snap-back, whose only duty was to put the ball in play. After that he
+was merely a passenger. From the snap-back the centre rush has been
+evolved by gradual enlargement of his duties. To-day he is chief of
+forwards, there being no duplicate to his position, as there is of
+tackle and guard. Every play starts from the centre rush, and depends
+upon him for a large share of its success or failure. The position is
+one requiring painstaking, conscientious hard work, admitting of very
+little glory, although the centre handles the ball more than any other
+player. On the offensive, the first duty of the centre rush is to put
+the ball in play. Much depends upon this. The team can play no faster
+than he does. If he is slow, the whole thing is slow. He must follow the
+ball closely, and the moment it is down, take it from his back and put
+it down for the next play. When the ball goes out of bounds, he must be
+the first man on the side lines, to take it in on the jump for the next
+play. The line forms on him, and to have his team line up quickly he
+must be doubly quick.
+
+To snap the ball back, the body should be just low enough to reach the
+ball with the snapping arm, and no lower nor higher. The distance
+between the forward and rear foot must be obtained by practice. The rear
+one, in general, should be just far enough back to give him a good
+start. The centre should straddle only enough to keep from wobbling from
+side to side. The centre should never stand flat-footed. The feet should
+be at right angles to the gridiron lines. The position is much like that
+of a sprinter on his mark, as is shown in Fig. 2.
+
+_Different Methods of Snapping._--First, the flat, or side, snap, or
+snap on the longer axis of the ball. Place the ball upon the ground
+about two inches from the forward foot. Turn the lacing in. Have the
+seams of the ball parallel with the gridiron lines. Take a firm grip of
+the ball. Let the fingers be well over the front of it. The ball is sent
+back to the quarter with a downward motion of the wrist and arm. Place
+the ball as far under you as possible; it shortens the distance. The
+advantage of the side snap is that the snapper can balance himself
+partly on the ball, so that he can ofttimes put the ball into play under
+very trying circumstances.
+
+Second, the end-over-end, or snap on the shorter axis. This snap is in
+most general use at present. It requires more skill in handling than the
+other. It has the advantage that it is quicker when well executed, and
+enables the quarter to be of considerably more aid in the interference.
+To use this style of snapping, place the ball on the end, the head out a
+little, although the exact angle must be acquired by practice. The ball
+is put into play by a delicate wrist motion back and downward.
+
+The defensive-work of the centre is almost illimitable. He can be of as
+much or of as little use to his side as he has a mind to. He has more
+opportunity for brilliant tackles than any other man on his side, for
+the sole reason that he is not expected to do anything, and is the
+unaccounted-for man. His own man is handicapped by having to snap the
+ball, and he has no other assignment except that man. He should remain
+in his position long enough to see whether the play is coming at him or
+not. This will, of course, be determined by his shrewdness in guessing
+the play. If the play is at him, by keeping his man away from him, he
+can get under and into either hole. If his own position is not attacked,
+he should take the hole nearest the runner. He can often go through
+between guard and centre by having his guard break to the outside, and
+the opposing guard, following him, makes the hole for centre to go
+through.
+
+_The Half-Back._--The function of the half-back is to carry the ball.
+The advance into the enemy's territory must be made by him, except that
+a tackle may occasionally be called on for a run. The position is a
+difficult, trying, and exhausting one. The back must be sent time and
+again without let-up. With reference to his own proper function, a
+half-back should be chosen for speed, endurance, sand, and a cool, quick
+judgment. There are two distinct styles of backs--the "plunging back"
+and the "wrigglers," or "dodgers." It is desirable to have one of each
+upon a team. The former is better in line-breaking as a rule, and the
+latter excels in "broken fields" and end-running. The backs should be
+drilled carefully in the Fundamentals, especially those connected with
+their immediate duties, such as tossing, catching, kicking, and
+tackling. Standing starts and short dashes are also invaluable as
+preliminary practice.
+
+As to the form of the half-back, it should be such as will not give away
+the direction in which he intends to run, yet such as will enable him to
+start at once upon the snap of the ball or signal. Many of the best
+backs give away the point of attack by unconscious glances and
+movements, things that should be studiously avoided. False starts are
+also to be guarded against, as they spoil the whole play and slow up the
+game. The backs should take, as far as possible, the same position in
+the given play every time. The body should be angular in form and
+carried well forward, much like the position of the standing start of a
+sprinter, with this difference, that the rear foot should not be quite
+so far back. The position must be one in which the backs can start
+quickly in either direction. Backs generally stand perfectly square,
+with toes of both feet on a line. Before they can get away from that
+position they must take either a short step back or forward. This step
+is unnecessary and shows a man up.
+
+In going through the line, the general rule is to go low. In running
+low, the runner should bend his neck so that he can see and take his
+holes cleanly. When going through the middle of the line, it is best to
+carry the ball in both hands. Take the ball in the pit of the stomach,
+the legs and trunk forming a basket or angle, and then grapple it to you
+with both hands. Do not carry the ball too far under the arm. The ball
+should be carried so that it may be shifted in order to use the nearest
+arm to ward off would-be tacklers. It is surprising how many tacklers
+can be warded off by using that arm like a piston-rod against every man
+that comes up. In line-breaking, the back should remember to keep his
+feet and fight for the last inch of ground. If he can only keep his feet
+and give his own side a chance to push, he is bound to gain ground.
+
+_Full-Back._--No player has _cut so much ice_ in the winning or losing
+of big matches in the last two seasons as the full-back. The holding of
+big teams to small scores by inferior ones has been largely owing to
+good men in this position. Hence the growing appreciation of the demands
+of this position and its vital importance to the success of the eleven.
+Kicking to-day has come to be a part of the offensive game, and the
+full-back, consequently, the biggest ground-gainer of all the backs. The
+full-back should be chosen almost solely for his ability to kick. Other
+qualifications are desirable, to be sure, but the ability to kick is the
+prime requisite. The preliminary training of the full-back should be one
+continuous kick.
+
+[Illustration: FIG. 4.]
+
+The position of the full-back on the offence will be generally midway
+between the two backs, or a little in advance of them, near enough to
+touch either with the out-stretched arm. In runs around the end the
+full-back will generally be called on either to lead the interference or
+to block some particular player on the other side--a half-back or an
+end, most likely. In bucking the centre, the full-back should put his
+head down and go low and hard. He should make up his mind where he is
+going, and then go there without halting and hesitating. While as a
+general rule it is hard to gain through a good centre, a short gain
+through that territory is all the more valuable. The line through the
+centre is a straight line, and therefore the shortest distance to the
+required five yards, as will be seen in Fig. 4, the base of a
+right-angled triangle being always shorter than the hypothenuse.
+
+_The Quarter-Back._--The first essential qualification of a quarter-back
+is brains. He should be able to take in a situation at a glance, to
+think quickly, and to put that thought into execution at once. He should
+be cool without being deliberate, enthusiastic without being excitable.
+He should be brimful of nervous force and energy and of tireless
+activity. He should be absolutely fearless, and of positive force of
+character. The quarter-back should have constant, painstaking practice
+in handling and passing the ball. All spare moments on and off the field
+can most profitably be put in by him in receiving the snap from his
+centre and passing to some back. By that practice he gets used to his
+centre and learns intuitively when and where the ball will come every
+time.
+
+The two ways commonly used in putting the ball into play are the "end"
+and "flap" snap. Take the position of quarter in receiving the "flap"
+snap first: The quarter stands, or rather kneels without touching his
+knees, close up behind the centre, about a foot from him.
+
+The position is such that he can start quickly in the opposite direction
+from the one he is facing to receive the ball. Turning to the rear is
+easily and quickly done by using the balls of the feet as a pivot and
+swinging the body around on them. The ball should be picked up cleanly.
+It ought to require no more changing to throw than a baseball. The ball
+is picked up with the fingers over one end of it, the other end is bound
+to point along the arm, and thus it is ready for throwing. When the ball
+is snapped end over end, the quarter-back takes an entirely different
+position. He should stand squarely behind the centre, both feet being
+nearly on a line. He should stand near enough to take the ball on the
+first bound just the moment before the ball reaches the point where it
+begins to fall. His distance is about from two to three feet.
+
+Upon the defence, the quarter with the other two backs form a kind of
+second rush-line. The play of the quarter-back on the defence, unless
+some special assignment is made him, is that of a free lance, a pirate
+to mix up things generally and break through where he is least expected.
+He generally stands behind the centre, and the moment the play starts,
+takes the nearest hole. Oft-times the guard and centre can make a hole
+to let the quarter through.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When an individual enters a competition which is held by any association
+for the purpose of determining which player has the strongest claim, by
+reason of his skill, to represent that association at a competition to
+be held by some other (and, usually, greater) organization at some
+future date, he takes upon himself, as a man of honor, the obligation,
+in case he wins, of representing the first body in the contest to be
+held by the second body. This more or less ethical and undoubtedly wordy
+definition I hope is clear; but in case it is not, let me put it in
+another and possibly more colloquial way: If the Scholastic School holds
+a golf tournament for the purpose of selecting a man to represent the
+Scholastic School at the University College golf tournament, every man
+who _enters_ the Scholastic School tournament pledges himself (in
+spirit, of course, he being an honorable amateur), in case he is a
+winner, to appear and compete, to the best of his ability, at the
+University College golf tournament as the representative of his school.
+
+In other words, any person who wins at a preliminary event, and fails to
+fulfil at the final contest the obligations he has thus assumed, is
+guilty of a breach of faith. He is guilty of a breach of faith unless he
+is physically unable to stand the bodily strain of the contest he has
+entered for, and in such a case he should at once notify both the body
+he represents (that it may send a substitute if it chooses) and the
+officers of the organization for whose competition he is entered, that
+the latter may not be placed in a false position toward the public and
+the other competitors.
+
+Mr. C. W. Beggs, of the Lawrenceville School, entered the Princeton
+Interscholastic Tennis Tournament as a representative of
+Lawrenceville--and won. By this victory Mr. Beggs became Princeton's
+representative at the National Interscholastic Tennis Tournament to be
+held at Newport, and accepted the obligation and responsibility of
+representing Princeton on that occasion, just as fully and as
+unequivocally as a football-player or a baseball-player accepts the
+responsibility of playing his position in the final match game of the
+season when he earns a place on his school's eleven or nine. Mr. Beggs
+did not fulfil his obligations toward Princeton. He did not appear at
+Newport on the day of the tournament, and, so far as I am able to learn,
+he did not notify the officers of the national event of his intended and
+perhaps entirely unavoidable absence.
+
+By acting in this manner he disarranged the programme of the national
+event, he lessened the interest in the play of the tournament, and he
+deprived Princeton of a possible victory. It is possible that Mr. Beggs
+was prevented by illness from appearing on the courts at Newport, but
+illness alone can be accepted as a valid excuse for his absence. Having
+undertaken to be present, not travels nor "occasions of a life-time"
+should have kept him away--should have allowed him to break his faith.
+
+These few words are not aimed in censure at Mr. Beggs. He is not alone
+in such conduct. But he is a vivid example of an unsportsmanlike act
+(unsportsmanlike unless he had the excuse of illness, and, even so,
+inconsiderate if he did not notify the National L.T.A., and it does not
+appear that he did), and the ethics of sport can only be taught to most
+of us by the display of a striking example. The interests of
+interscholastic sport may best be maintained by a strict adherence to
+obligations assumed.
+
+"TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL."--ILLUSTRATED.--8VO, CLOTH, ORNAMENTAL,
+$1.25.
+
+  THE GRADUATE.
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENTS.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: ROYAL BAKING POWDER]
+
+A cream-of-tartar baking powder. Highest of all in leavening
+strength.--_Latest United States Government Food Report._
+
+ROYAL BAKING POWDER CO., NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THOMPSON'S EYE WATER]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BICYCLING]
+
+     This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the
+     Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our
+     maps and tours contain many valuable data kindly supplied from the
+     official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen.
+     Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L.A.W., the
+     Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership
+     blanks and information so far as possible.
+
+
+[Illustration: Copyright, 1896, by Harper & Brothers.]
+
+The route given in the next three weeks will be one of the best trips in
+the vicinity of Chicago, extending from Chicago itself to Joliet, thence
+to Ottawa, and thence to La Salle, and return. Like the great majority
+of trips taken from Chicago, this one depends largely upon the time at
+the rider's disposal, for you may either start from Chicago itself, or
+if the time is too short you can take the train for Ottawa and ride from
+there, or it is possible to get off the train at Joliet and ride on. But
+if time is not so important a matter, it is by all means best to ride
+all the way from Chicago. A choice of roads leads out of the city. You
+can go by the Archer Road to Joliet viâ Summit, Mount Forest, Willow
+Springs, Sag, Lemont, Romeo, and Lockport. In going the other way, take
+the Washington Boulevard west to Des Plaines Avenue, and then south to
+Riverside. This route leads along the old Illinois-Michigan Canal, Des
+Plaines River, and the new drainage canal, and it gives an excellent
+opportunity for you to examine the work on this large engineering
+undertaking.
+
+There is still one other route to Joliet, which is a good road if the
+weather is good, but which after rain it would be unwise to attempt.
+This route is as follows: Start south on Western Avenue, or go down
+through Pullman City, turning westward to arrive at Blue Island. Here it
+will be necessary to make inquiry for the Blue Island and Orland Road,
+which runs southwest through Orland Station on the Wabash railway to
+Joliet. Part of this secondary route is not on the map, but it can be
+traced from Orland through Alpine, Hadley, and on into Joliet. The most
+attractive route, however, is the second one--that is, through
+Riverside, Summit, Willow Springs, etc.
+
+On this first stage to Joliet the road to Summit is easily found, except
+that on passing through Summit a sharp turn to the left should be made,
+instead of crossing the track and the canal, up a hill, the road then
+being perfectly clear through Mount Forest and Willow Springs to Sag
+Station, with one hill about midway between the two latter places. At
+Sag Station turn to the left and run down to Sag, less than a mile away;
+then, turning sharply to the right, run to Lemont. Thence, keeping
+always on the southern and eastern side of the tracks and the river,
+follow the road to Romeo, with a hill as you enter the town, and run
+thence through Lockport to Joliet. The distance is close upon forty
+miles. If the trip is made in a day, a good place to stop is at Sag. If,
+however, the wheelman decides to run to Ottawa in one day, Joliet would
+make a stop a little less than half the distance; though this run to
+Ottawa of about ninety miles is a little too much for the average rider,
+and Joliet being a good place to stop overnight, he is advised to make a
+two days' trip of the journey. In case Joliet is too far, there is a
+good hotel at Lockport, six or seven miles nearer Chicago than Joliet,
+and the stop might be made there, although that leaves a long ride for
+the next day.
+
+     NOTE.--Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of
+     route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford,
+     Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New
+     Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814.
+     Brooklyn to Babylon in No. 815. Brooklyn to Northport in No. 816.
+     Tarrytown to Poughkeepsie in No. 817. Poughkeepsie to Hudson in No.
+     818. Hudson to Albany in No. 819. Tottenville to Trenton in No.
+     820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822.
+     Philadelphia-Wissahickon Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West
+     Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City--First Stage in
+     No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland--First
+     Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. New York to
+     Boston--Second Stage in No. 829. Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth
+     Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833.
+     Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to
+     Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to
+     New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839.
+     Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to
+     Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843.
+     Philadelphia to Washington--First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in
+     No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth
+     Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in
+     No. 854; Albany to Fonda in No 855; Fonda to Utica in No. 856;
+     Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons
+     to Rochester in No. 859; Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia
+     to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown
+     to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866; Hartford
+     to Springfield in No. 867; Hartford to Canaan in No 868; Canaan to
+     Pittsfield in No. 869; Hudson to Pittsfield in No. 870. City of
+     Chicago in No. 874. Waukesha to Oconomowoc in No. 875; Chicago to
+     Wheeling in No. 876; Wheeling to Lippencott's in No 877;
+     Lippencott's to Waukesha in No. 878; Waukesha to Milwaukee in No.
+     879.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THE CAMERA CLUB]
+
+     Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly
+     answered by the Editor of this column and we should be glad to hear
+     from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.
+
+
+HOW TO SALT PAPER.
+
+Salting paper is the process by which photographic paper is coated with
+chloride of sodium (common salt), chloride of ammonium, or chloride of
+barium, and salted paper is pure photographic paper which has been
+immersed or floated in a salting-bath and then dried. Paper prepared
+especially for photographic use is the best; but paper which is free
+from impurities may be used. Whatman's drawing-paper is a good paper.
+The paper is first salted, and when dry the sensitizing solution is
+applied.
+
+To salt paper with chloride of sodium, take 20 oz. of water and 30 grs.
+of common salt; dissolve the salt in the water and filter; put this
+solution in a flat dish larger than the sheets of paper to be salted.
+Select the smoothest side of the paper, and turn back two corners
+diagonally opposite to each other. Take hold of the paper by these
+corners and lower the sheet of paper gently into the solution. See that
+every portion of the surface is thoroughly wet, but do not let the paper
+touch the bottom of the dish. Let it remain in the solution for one
+minute; then, if it appears to be thoroughly covered, pin it up to dry,
+with the side which was salted turned outward. To sensitize this paper,
+take nitrate of silver, 1/2-oz., and water, 10 oz. After it is dissolved
+take out 3 oz., and to the remaining 7 oz. add strong ammonia-water,
+drop by drop. A brownish precipitate will form, but keep adding the
+ammonia till the solution is nearly or quite clear, then turn in the
+other 3 oz. and filter. This solution may be put in a flat dish, and the
+paper be sensitized by floating it on the solution, or it may be spread
+on with a brush, according to directions given in No. 869.
+
+To salt paper with chloride of ammonium make a solution as follows:
+
+  Chloride of Ammonium     32 grs.
+  Water                     4 oz.
+  Gelatine                  8 grs.
+
+Put the gelatine in the water, and set the vessel containing it in a
+dish of hot water until the gelatine is dissolved. When it is cold add
+the chloride of ammonium, and either float according to directions just
+given, or apply the solution with a brush.
+
+To sensitize, take 1 oz. of water and 60 grs. of nitrate of silver.
+Dissolve thoroughly and brush the paper with this solution. Brush evenly
+and lightly both ways of the paper, so as to avoid a streaked
+appearance. Print and tone the same as for aristo prints. The combined
+toning-bath gives good results. The tone of the prints closely resembles
+platinum prints.
+
+Another process for salting paper is:
+
+  Chloride of Ammonium       3 grs.
+  Chloride of Sodium         3 grs.
+  Water                      2 oz.
+
+Apply this solution with a brush, or float the paper on the bath. To
+sensitize, take 60 grs. of nitrate of silver and 1 oz. of water. Add
+ammonia-water, drop by drop, till 25 drops have been used. The solution
+at first turns muddy, but continue dropping the ammonia till it clears.
+If it does not clear after the 25 drops have been added clear by
+filtering. Sensitize as per former directions.
+
+This paper is very easily prepared, is inexpensive, and gives fine
+delicate prints. Do not print much deeper than is desired for the
+finished print. One may use a toning and fixing bath combined, or a
+separate toning and fixing bath may be used.
+
+One can sensitize a strip at the head of a letter or a corner of a
+visiting-card; and print the same as any paper.
+
+The paper can be bought ready salted, but it is not always fresh. It is
+very little trouble to salt paper and to sensitize it, and the cost is
+much less than when paper is bought ready prepared. The plain paper
+should be used within two or three days after sensitizing with the
+silver, but the salted paper keeps well, and may be sensitized as
+needed.
+
+Mark the sensitized paper on the wrong side lightly, as it is hard to
+distinguish the sensitive side. When dry these prints are so flat and
+the paper is so thin that they make nice book illustrations.
+
+     SIR KNIGHTS FRED. W. LONG and FRED. D. ROSE wish to know in what
+     numbers of the ROUND TABLE the "Papers for Beginners" may be found.
+     In Nos. 812, 813, 814, 816, 817, 818, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826,
+     832, 838, 840, and 842. See also the late numbers for "Chemistry
+     for Amateur Photographers."
+
+     E. LESTER CROCKER, Tarrytown-on-Hudson, New York, wishes to be
+     enrolled as a member of the Camera Club.
+
+
+
+
+ILL-TEMPERED BABIES
+
+are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill
+temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and
+digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most
+successful of all infant foods.--[_Adv._]
+
+
+
+
+ADVERTISEMENTS.
+
+
+
+
+Columbia
+
+Bicycles
+
+LEAD THE WORLD.
+
+No competition has been able to shake the hold of Columbia Bicycles on
+the wheeling public. It is the natural reward of unequalled experience,
+materials, workmanship and facilities. To enjoy the highest delight of
+bicycling you must ride the Columbia.
+
+Standard of the World
+
+$100 TO ALL ALIKE.
+
+POPE MFG. CO., Hartford, Conn.
+
+Columbia Art Catalogue free from all branch houses and agents, or will
+be sent by mail for two 2-cent stamps.
+
+
+
+
+WALTER BAKER & CO., LIMITED.
+
+Established Dorchester, Mass., 1780.
+
+Breakfast Cocoa
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Always ask for Walter Baker & Co.'s
+
+Breakfast Cocoa
+
+Made at
+
+DORCHESTER, MASS.
+
+It bears their Trade Mark
+
+"La Belle Chocolatiere" on every can.
+
+Beware of Imitations.
+
+
+
+
+Postage Stamps, &c.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: STAMPS]
+
+100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c., 200 all dif. Hayti,
+Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. Lint FREE! =C. A.
+Stegmann=, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo
+
+
+
+
+STAMPS
+
+=10= stamps and large list =FREE!=
+
+L. DOVER & CO., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.
+
+
+
+
+STAMPS on Approval! 50% disct. _List free._
+
+W. C. Shields, 30 Sorauren Ave., Toronto, Canada.
+
+
+
+
+110 Foreign Stamps, Liberia, Borneo, Mexico, etc., 5c. H. L. ASHFIELD,
+767 Prospect Ave., N.Y.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THOMPSON'S EYE WATER]
+
+
+
+
+Reader: Have you seen the
+
+[Illustration: Franklin]
+
+It is a Collection which no one who loves music should fail to own; it
+should find a place in every home. Never before, it may truthfully be
+said, has a song book been published at once so cheap, so good, and so
+complete.--_Colorado Springs Gazette._
+
+[Illustration: Square]
+
+This Song Collection is one of the most notable enterprises of the kind
+attempted by any publisher. The brief sketches and histories of the
+leading productions in the work add greatly to the value of the
+series.--_Troy Times._
+
+[Illustration: Collection?]
+
+Sold Everywhere. Eight Numbers. Price, 50 cents each; Cloth, $1.00. Full
+contents, with Specimen Pages, mailed, without cost, on application to
+=Harper & Brothers, New York=.
+
+
+
+
+From Calamus to Quill.
+
+     It is most interesting to trace the evolution of the pen, beginning
+     with the _calamus_ and _stilus_--the reed and erasing bodkin--and
+     ending with a fountain-pen of the most improved make. In ancient
+     days great care was taken in the selection of the choicest reeds,
+     the best-cured parchment, and the daintiest waxen tablets. Egypt
+     grew the best reeds, though they were also found in Armenia,
+     Persia, and Italy. The modern Turks and Moors prize the Persian
+     reeds above all others, splitting the points in the same manner as
+     our grandfathers prepared their goose-quills. The oldest account
+     known respecting quills is found in a work of St. Isidore's, who
+     died in 636. Alcuinus, who lived in England, speaks of his pen, so
+     the familiar article must have been in use almost as long as the
+     art of writing was known in the country. Perhaps steel pens would
+     have been more popular when first introduced if all had known that
+     the quills were pulled from the living geese!
+
+     Dr. Warner told his stationer that with one quill pen, old when he
+     took it up, he wrote an "ecclesiastical history," two volumes
+     folio, and a "dissertation on the Book of Common Prayer," both
+     first and final draughts. Byron wrote the "Bride of Abydos" in one
+     night, without once mending his quill, while Andrew Borde,
+     physician to Henry VIII., and the original "Merry Andrew," wrote a
+     book of nearly three hundred pages, 12mo., in the same manner.
+     Camden wrote of the quill with which he composed the Britannia,
+
+  "With one sole pen I wrote this book,
+    Made of a gray goose quill;
+  A pen it was when I it took,
+    And a pen I leave it still."
+
+  LAUNCELOT CLAYMORE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What Shakespeare Studied when at School.
+
+Mr. William J. Rolfe, the Shakespearian student, has written most
+entertainingly of the Avon bard's school days. "The training in an
+English free day school in the time of Elizabeth," he writes, "depended
+much on the attainments of the master, and these varied greatly, bad
+teachers being the rule and good ones the exception. In many towns the
+office of schoolmaster was conferred on 'an ancient citizen of no great
+learning.' Sometimes a quack conjuring doctor had the position, like
+Pinch in the _Comedy of Errors_." What did William study in the
+grammar-school? Not much except arithmetic and Latin, with perhaps a
+little Greek and a mere smattering of other branches.
+
+The Latin grammar used was certainly Lily's, the standard manual of the
+time, as long before and after. In _The Taming of the Shrew_ (I., 1,
+167) a passage from Terence is quoted in the modified form in which it
+appears in this grammar.
+
+This fact, slight as it is, seems to have its bearing on the Baconian
+controversy. "Can we imagine," asks Mr. Rolfe, "the sage of St. Albans,
+familiar as he was with classical literature, going to his old Latin
+grammar for a quotation from Terence, and not to the original works of
+that famous playwright?"
+
+We often hear people speak of "good old times," as if present times were
+worse. But good old school times of the sort described here were
+certainly not better than present times.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Asked to Cease Soaring a Moment.
+
+Mrs. Phelps-Ward has just related an amusing story of John Greenleaf
+Whittier and Lucy Larcom. They were driving together one day, and
+discussing the Bible, the future life, and kindred topics. The poet was
+a spare man, as of course you know, while the author, whose stories and
+poems you so well remember, was portly, and had withal an easy-going
+temperament, which led her to take things as they came, disturbed by
+nothing. She was, when interested in a subject, generally quite
+oblivious to all else around her. Driving along, they came to a rather
+steep hill that had a bad gully in it. The horse was none too easy to
+manage, and the carriage swayed uncomfortably toward the heavy
+side--that borne well down by the portly woman. Mr. Whittier was trying
+his best to control the horse and keep his seat, but his companion
+talked on.
+
+"Lucy," said the poet, sternly, and with not too much composure, "if
+thee doesn't stop talking long enough for me to control this horse,
+thee'll find thyself in heaven before thee wants to."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Kinks.
+
+No. 30.--AN OBLONG STAR.
+
+If the cross-words are rightly guessed the central letters of the
+right-hand hour-glass, reading downward, will spell the name of the
+Grecian painter from whose untiring industry is derived the proverb,
+_Nulla dies sine linea_ ("No day without a line"). The central letters
+of the left-hand hour-glass will spell the name of a renowned Greek
+sculptor who was born about the time of the battle of Marathon.
+
+1. _Upper Diamond._--1. In drawling. 2. A Japanese coin worth about
+four-fifths of a cent. 3. A word occurring frequently in the Psalms. 4.
+A deceiver. 5. The inferior pole of the horizon. 6. A form of a personal
+pronoun. 7. In drawling.
+
+2. _Lower Diamond._--1. In drawling. 2. Mournful. 3. The pyramidal roof
+of a tower. 4. Insulting. 5. Scorched. 6. To finish. 7. In drawling.
+
+3. _Left-hand Hour-glass._--1. Spotted. 2. Fences sunk below the ground.
+3. A mite. 4. In drawling. 5. The dado. 6. A map. 7. Calcined gypsum.
+
+4. _Right-Hand Hour-glass._--1. Revolves. 2. Writing material. 3. A
+couch. 4. In drawling. 5. A beverage. 6. To step. 7. To sparkle.
+
+  VINCENT V. M. BEEDE, R.T.F.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+No. 31.--A HETEROGENEOUS PIE.
+
+A maniac in a Canadian asylum once requested his keeper to bring him a
+pie composed of the following ingredients:
+
+One object^1 which once bore the words, "For the fairest," won by Venus;
+one cup of one^2 who rides the main; three cups of an appropriate name^3
+for a hard-headed animal; a morsel of a rod^4 little used in billiards;
+a nickname^5 applied to a New England State; one pound of the fish^6
+that struggles; a goodly quantity of the fruit^7 from which a mechanic
+in one of Shakespeare's comedies derives his name; a dash of the _nom de
+plume_^8 of James W. Morris; forty incites^9; a heaping measure of the
+substance^{10} indicated by the blank.
+
+                "Not a ----
+  But shows some touch in freckle, streak, or stain,
+  Of his unrivall'd pencil."--Cowper.
+
+  XENTRIQUE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+No. 32--BEHEADING.
+
+1. Behead a fruit, and leave a fruit; behead once more, and leave our
+ancestors; behead again, and leave a part of our ancestors.
+
+2. Behead a tree, and leave past; behead again, and leave to depart.
+
+3. Behead a fruit, and leave a vegetable; behead again, and leave to
+adorn.
+
+4. Behead a plant, and leave slack; behead again, and leave that
+wherewith the plant might have been cut.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Answers to Kinks.
+
+No. 28.--A MUSICAL MÉLANGE.
+
+1. Beethoven. 2. Chopin. 3. Handel. 4. Bull (_Taurus_). 5. Rossini. 6.
+Thomas. 7. Albani. 8. Crotch. 9. Lasso. 10. Mason. 11. Potter. 12.
+Purcell. 13. Fiddle. 14. Spinet. 15. Flute. 16. Bugle. 17. Trumpet. 18.
+Bagpipes. 19. Kettle-drums. 20. Fife. 21. Horn. 22. Lyre. 23.
+Harpsichord.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+No. 29.
+
+1. Burns. 2. Scott. 3. Herbert. 4. Willis. 5. Spenser. 6. White. 7.
+Dryden. 8. Hemans. 9. Pope. 10. Goldsmith. 11. Cowper. 12. Southey.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Not Good Form.
+
+Care for what one says ought always to be exercised, without regard to
+whether or not it may be heard by those for whom it is not intended.
+Here is a story that emphasizes this lesson:
+
+An officer of the Law Division of the New York Custom-house walked into
+the Collector's office a few days ago, while the Collector was talking
+with a tall man, whose back was turned toward the door.
+
+"What is it?" asked the Collector. "Anything important?"
+
+"Oh no," returned the officer. "Only another blunder in the long list of
+blunders committed by that Secretary of the Treasury of ours." The tall
+man laughed.
+
+"Mr. Blank," said the Collector, "let me introduce you to Mr. Carlisle,
+Secretary of the Treasury."
+
+The Secretary turned, still laughing, and shook the hand of the law
+officer, who, red in the face, stammered a half-heard apology--and got
+out as quickly as possible.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A Good Amateur Newspaper.
+
+The _Scribbler_ has completed its first year, and it makes quite an
+unnecessary apology for its past shortcomings. This latter is really the
+poorest thing about its past--this apology. Many a public speaker, after
+giving a good address, mars it by apologizing for it. The _Scribbler_
+has done well, and of course will do better. Its address is: Easton,
+Pa., and its manager, Norman E. Hart. You should see a copy. It is neat
+and Interesting.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Questions and Answers.
+
+John C. Cone, 519 South Seventh Street, Hamilton, O., wants to receive
+sample copies of amateur newspapers. The Table has not published a
+description of the badge, dear Sir Sidney Mulhall, and has now none in
+stock. Evelyn T. Jones: Yes, the Table is glad to receive descriptions
+of places, industries, outings, etc., and asks correspondents to try to
+see how excellent they can make such morsels--correct grammar and
+spelling, avoidance of unnecessary words, and careful selection of
+descriptive adjectives. Letters from foreign places, if filled with
+information of general interest, are published when space permits. Good
+"Kinks" will be published, but new ideas are wanted, not merely new
+material in old forms.
+
+Arthur J. Johnston, Box 136, Dartmouth, N. S., says, "I am much
+interested in politics, and would like to correspond with members of the
+Table, especially those living in Canada, on that subject." Cyrus
+Williston, Vernon, N. Y., wants to hear from members of the Order, any
+subject, and Louis O. Brosie, 3405 Butler Street, Pittsburg. Pa., has
+some quite old numbers of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE which he does not want.
+He mentions the fact upon seeing inquiries in this column for these old
+copies, no longer in the publishers' stock. Aaron Spong asks where he
+can find a collection of college songs. There are several to be had. Ask
+for _Carmina Princetonia_; _Columbia College Song-Book_; _Harvard
+College Song-Book_. Go to your bookseller or to a music-store. Any
+dealer can get collections for you upon order, but Chicago dealers will
+have them in stock without doubt.
+
+Henry F. French asks for information concerning the earliest national
+books. The Pentateuch is the oldest of books. In Greece the most ancient
+writings are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, date about 900 B.C. In Latin,
+Plautus wrote his comedies 200 B.C. The first British author was Gildas,
+500 A.D., who wrote a _Conquest of Britain_. At the same date Venan
+Fortunatus, in France, wrote the first work of that country--a book of
+Latin poetry. The Koran is the earliest work of any Arabian, Persian, or
+Turk. It was written A.D. 600. The first of Germany's literature was
+Walafred Strabo's book of poems and theology, 841 A.D. In Russia,
+Yaroslaff in the year 1000 A.D., compiled a code of laws, while Monez
+(1100 A.D.) is the first Portuguese author. The other countries are
+represented as follows: Italy, Accursius, writer of jurisprudence,
+1182-1260 A.D.; Sweden, Eric Olai, author of _A History of the Goths and
+Swedes_, 1400 A.D.; Poland, Vinc Kadlubek, writer of a history of
+Poland, 1226 A.D. Arvine names Benjamin Thompson our "pioneer in
+letters." He was called "ye renowned poet of New England, learned
+schoolmaster and physician."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: STAMPS]
+
+     This department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin
+     collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question
+     on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address
+     Editor Stamp Department.
+
+
+Specialization has led to the cataloguing of innumerable minute
+varieties in perforations, water-marks, papers, shades, and impressions
+from more or less worn or retouched plates, to say nothing of "freaks."
+The result has been the immense catalogues with which we are all so
+familiar, and albums containing a multitude of spaces for stamps which
+not one collector in a thousand can ever expect to fill. This has led to
+a reaction, and the average collector will hereafter not be puzzled by
+minute varieties of no interest to any one except the small group of
+rich men in each country to whom they are due. These advanced collectors
+do not use printed albums, and special catalogues can easily be made for
+them. All the large dealers hereafter will make albums and catalogues
+which the average collector will have a chance of filling up at
+reasonable rates.
+
+Unique or very rare stamps in such albums will probably be represented
+by photographs of the costly originals.
+
+     W. MACFARLANE.--The 2c. U.S. Revenues are extremely common, hence
+     have no value.
+
+     S. MANNING.--The old U.S. Special Delivery stamps are worth 15c.
+     each, used. The yellow one will probably prove to be the scarcest.
+
+     H. M. CROSSMAN.--The 1892 Columbian half-dollar can be bought for
+     75c. The 1893 one is in common use. The Columbian quarter is worth
+     $1.75.
+
+     H. H. C.--The ordinary U.S. quarter for 1853 with rays on the
+     reverse can be bought for 35c. The rare variety of the same date
+     for $3.50.
+
+     F. M., JUN.--The 50c. Mortgage U.S. Revenue is worth 5c.; the 50c.
+     Entry of Goods and Conveyance, 1c. each: the $1 Inland Exchange,
+     1c. These prices are for perforated stamps; if unperforated they
+     are worth $1 each upward.
+
+     WILL KELSEY.--All sheets of the current issue have one outside row
+     of stamps unperforated on one side, and all the 1c., 2c., etc.,
+     have two rows of stamps unperforated on one side. Such partly
+     perforated stamps have no special value. The 1875 reprint of the
+     1869 3c. stamp is worth $15 unused. This reprint can be known by
+     the snow-white paper on which it is printed. Many of the 1869
+     stamps show no signs of grilling, owing to a very light pressure of
+     the grills. Such stamps have no greater value than the grilled
+     ones.
+
+     NYACK.--I do not know what the stamped paper made for use in the
+     American colonies is worth. I know of one copy which was bought by
+     the holder for $50. There were no adhesive stamps made for the 1765
+     stamp act.
+
+     T. A. WESSMAN.--It is impossible to pass any opinion on rare
+     Chinese coins without seeing a rubbing. They are considered as
+     simple curios here, and can be bought very cheap if the dealer has
+     any.
+
+     A. F. BERLIN.--Apply to any of the larger dealers for price.
+
+     A. B. C.--My remarks applied to Spanish stamps only. The West
+     Australian cancelled stamps with punched holes were those issued by
+     the colonial authorities to the imperial (_i.e._, Great Britain)
+     authorities for official use. Most of these imperial officials were
+     in charge of the convict camps in West Australia, and doubtless
+     some of the stamps were given by them to prisoners in their charge,
+     as it seems fairly well established that some letters from
+     prisoners were pre-paid by punched stamps.
+
+     C. S. SMITH.--Dealers offer U.S. dollars of 1800 for $2;
+     half-dollar 1811, 1812, 1818, seventy-five cents each.
+
+     C. RAWSON, 3421 North Nineteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa., wishes
+     to exchange stamps.
+
+     H. D. GRAHAM.--"Local" stamps are those used by postmasters and by
+     private firms who carried letters in competition with the U.S.
+     mails. They have all been suppressed by the U.S. government. The
+     _early_ Boyd's Express, Blood & Co.'s, Honour City Post, etc., are
+     very scarce. Hussey's Post and the later Boyd's Express are very
+     common. Many have been reprinted, and others have been
+     counterfeited.
+
+     N. P. COPPEDGE.--The English penny is quite a common coin. It has
+     no value in this country, and in England can be bought for
+     threepence.
+
+  PHILATUS.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: IVORY SOAP]
+
+"Health is the vital principle of bliss, and exercise, of health."
+
+  No health--there is no hope of bliss,
+    No exercise--and health soon flies,
+  No bath with Ivory Soap--you miss
+    The best results of exercise.
+
+Copyright, 1896, by The Procter & Gamble Co., Cin'ti.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+GOLD RINGS FREE!
+
+We will give one half-round Ring, =18k Rolled Gold= plate & =warranted= to
+anyone who will sell 1 doz. Indestructible Lamp Wicks (need no trimming)
+among friends at 10cts. each. Write us and we will mail you the =Wicks=.
+You sell them and send us the money and we will mail you the Ring.
+
+STAR CHEMICAL CO., Box 435, Centerbrook, Conn.
+
+
+
+
+A TRIP ABROAD,
+
+a Piano, Phonograph Bicycle, Solid Gold Watch, and many other unheard-of
+opportunities, free for the asking, to every young person. Get all
+information by sending your address (no stamp required) to
+
+CHASE & CO., No. 1 Madison Ave., New York City.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+EARN A GOLD WATCH!
+
+We wish to introduce our =Teas and Baking Powder=. Sell 50 lbs. to earn a
+=Waltham Gold Watch and Chain=; 25 lbs. for a =Silver Watch and Chain=; 10
+lbs. for a =Gold Ring=; 50 lbs. for a =Decorated Dinner Set=; 75 lbs.
+for a =Bicycle=. Write for a Catalog and Order Blank to Dept. I
+
+W. G. BAKER,
+
+Springfield, Mass.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: THOMPSON'S EYE WATER]
+
+
+
+
+HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE SERIES
+
+_Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth. $1.25 per volume._
+
+     =The Mystery of Abel Forefinger.= By WILLIAM DRYSDALE.
+
+     =Raftmates.--Canoemates.--Campmates.--Dorymates.= By KIRK MUNROE.
+
+     =Young Lucretia=, and Other Stories. By MARY E. WILKINS.
+
+     =The Mate of the "Mary Ann."--Flying Hill Farm.= By SOPHIE SWETT.
+
+     =A Boy's Town.= By W. D. HOWELLS.
+
+     =The Midnight Warning=, etc. By EDWARD H. HOUSE.
+
+     =The Moon Prince=, and Other Nabobs. By RICHARD KENDALL MUNKITTRICK.
+
+     =Diego Pinzon.= By JOHN RUSSELL CORYELL.
+
+     =Phil and the Baby, and False Witness.= Two Stories. By LUCY C.
+     LILLIE.
+
+_Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00 per volume._
+
+     =Lucy C. Lillie.=--THE HOUSEHOLD OF GLEN HOLLY.--THE COLONEL'S
+     MONEY.--MILDRED'S BARGAIN, etc.--NAN.--ROLF HOUSE.--JO'S
+     OPPORTUNITY.--THE STORY OF MUSIC AND MUSICIANS.
+
+     =James Otis.=--SILENT PETE.--TOBY TYLER.--TIM AND TIP.--MR. STUBBS'S
+     BROTHER.--LEFT BEHIND.--RAISING THE "PEARL."
+
+     =David Ker.=--THE LOST CITY.--INTO UNKNOWN SEAS.
+
+     =William Black.=--THE FOUR MACNICOLS.
+
+     =Kirk Munroe.=--CHRYSTAL, JACK & CO., and DELTA BIXBY.--DERRICK
+     STERLING.--WAKULLA.--THE FLAMINGO FEATHER.
+
+     =John Habberton.=--WHO WAS PAUL GRAYSON?
+
+     =Ernest Ingersoll.=--THE ICE QUEEN.
+
+     =W. O. Stoddard.=--THE TALKING LEAVES.--TWO ARROWS.--THE RED MUSTANG.
+
+     =Mrs. W. J. Hays.=--PRINCE LAZYBONES, etc.
+
+     =G. C. Eggleston.=--STRANGE STORIES FROM HISTORY.
+
+     =George B. Perry.=--UNCLE PETER'S TRUST.
+
+     =Sophie Swett.=--CAPTAIN POLLY.
+
+     =W. L. Alden.=--A NEW ROBINSON CRUSOE.--THE ADVENTURES OF JIMMY
+     BROWN.--THE CRUISE OF THE CANOE CLUB.--THE CRUISE OF THE
+     "GHOST."--THE MORAL PIRATES.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HARPER & BROTHERS, Publishers, New York
+
+
+
+
+LOST HIS BEARINGS.
+
+[Illustration: "BEGINS TO WORK KIND OF HARD. GUESS I'LL STOP AND LOOK
+INTO HER."]
+
+[Illustration: "I'LL FIX THAT IN JUST A MINUTE."]
+
+[Illustration: OSTRICH (_sotto voce._). "SO WILL I."]
+
+[Illustration: "GREAT SCOTT! WHERE HAVE THOSE BEARINGS GONE TO?"]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A MATTER OF LETTERS.
+
+"I'm afraid you're a tease," said the old farmer to Aleck.
+
+"I may be a tease," said Aleck, "but I'm not one of the jays."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FULLY OCCUPIED.
+
+"Well, Charlie," said his aunt, as she met him on his return from the
+summer hotel, "what did you do with yourself all summer?"
+
+"Oh, I was losin' my hat about half the time," said Charlie.
+
+"Indeed! And what did you do the other half?"
+
+"Oh, I spent that lookin' for my hat."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It is a hard matter to get the better of, or at least to convince, an
+Irishman in an argument that you are right. Not long ago, in one of the
+cabins of a coast-line steamer, the conversation turned round to
+astronomy. A gentleman observed that the sun made a revolution around
+the earth, and what more wonderful thing than that could be found in
+astronomy? This somewhat amused the other passengers, but their laughter
+developed into great hilarity when an Irishman near by, exclaimed:
+
+"That's not so! The sun, I am certain, does not revolute the earth!"
+
+"But," said the gentleman, "where does it come from when it rises in the
+east, and where does it go when it sets in the west? It has no other
+thing to do but to pass under the earth and come up again."
+
+"Arrah, now, that's plain enough. Shure yer shouldn't be puzzled at
+that. If the sun goes from the east to the west, it returns the same
+way, and the only reason yer don't see it is because it comes back at
+night-toime."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE.
+
+"Jimmie, you wasted your breath talking to old Mr. Wilbur this morning.
+He's as deaf as a post."
+
+"I know that," said Jimmie, with a smile, "but posts don't have ten-cent
+pieces in their pockets to give little boys, and Mr. Wilbur does."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Is this a sleeping-car, papa?"
+
+"Yes, Johnny."
+
+"Does it travel all night?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Humph! Must do all its sleeping in the day-time."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: GETTING A FEW POINTS IN NATURAL HISTORY.]
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Harper's Round Table, September 15,
+1896, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***
+
+***** This file should be named 59335-8.txt or 59335-8.zip *****
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diff --git a/59335-h/59335-h.htm b/59335-h/59335-h.htm
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-

-Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896, by Various

-

-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most

-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions

-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of

-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at

-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have

-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.

-

-Title: Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896

-

-Author: Various

-

-Release Date: April 23, 2019 [EBook #59335]

-

-Language: English

-

-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1

-

-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***

-

-

-

-

-Produced by Annie R. McGuire

-

-

-

-

-

-</pre>

-

-

-<div class="center">

-<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#A_VIRGINIA_CAVALIER">A VIRGINIA CAVALIER.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#HOW_TO_MANAGE_AN_AQUARIUM">HOW TO MANAGE AN AQUARIUM.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#WHO_CAN_ANSWER">WHO CAN ANSWER?</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#ADVENTURES_WITH_FRIEND_PAUL">ADVENTURES WITH FRIEND PAUL.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CAPTAIN_HANKS_SUBSTITUTE">CAPTAIN HANK'S SUBSTITUTE.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#UP_IN_A_WATER-SPOUT">UP IN A WATER-SPOUT.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#IN_THE_OLD_HERRICK_HOUSE">IN THE OLD HERRICK HOUSE.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_AMERICAN_NIGHTS_ENTERTAINMENTS">THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_GREAT_SEAL_OF_ENGLAND">THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_VOYAGE_OF_THE_RATTLETRAP">THE VOYAGE OF THE "RATTLETRAP."</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT">INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#BICYCLING">BICYCLING.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_CAMERA_CLUB">THE CAMERA CLUB.</a></td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><a href="#STAMPS">STAMPS.</a></td></tr>

-</table></div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1109" id="Page_1109">[Pg 1109]</a></span></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 800px;">

-<img src="images/ill_001.jpg" width="800" height="270" alt="HARPER'S ROUND TABLE" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="center">Copyright, 1896, by <span class="smcap">Harper &amp; Brothers</span>. All Rights Reserved.</p>

-

-<hr class="full" />

-

-<div class="center">

-<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%" summary="">

-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">published weekly</span></td><td align="center">NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1896.</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">five cents a copy</span>.</td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">vol. xvii.&mdash;no</span>. 881.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">two dollars a year</span>.</td></tr>

-</table></div>

-

-<hr class="full" />

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;"><a name="A_VIRGINIA_CAVALIER" id="A_VIRGINIA_CAVALIER"></a>

-<img src="images/ill_002.jpg" width="700" height="547" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<h2>A VIRGINIA CAVALIER.</h2>

-

-<h3>BY MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL.</h3>

-

-<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3>

-

-<p>The next few weeks worked a great and serious change in George. It was

-the first time he had seen death since he was ten years old, when his

-father died. That had made a great impression on him at the time, but

-the feelings of a child of ten and a youth of sixteen are very

-different. He had loved little Mildred dearly, and the child's death was

-a deep sorrow to him. The grief of his brother and sister was piteous.

-As the case often is, the father was the more overwhelmed, and the poor

-mother had to stifle her own grief to help her husband. George could not

-but love and admire his sister the more when he saw her calm fortitude,

-and how, inspired by love for her husband, she bore bravely the loss of

-her only child. Both Madam Washington and Betty had come to Mount Vernon

-the day of little Mildred's death. Madam Washington was obliged to

-return after a few days to her younger children, but George and Betty

-remained.</p>

-

-<p>"For George is the heir now," said Laurence, with a sad smile, "and he

-must learn to manage what will one day be his own."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, brother," burst out George, with strange violence, "do you believe

-I wanted this place at the price of your child's life? I would give it

-all, twenty times over, to have her back!"</p>

-

-<p>"If I had thought you coveted it, I should never have made you my heir,"

-was Laurence's reply to this.</p>

-

-<p>Never was there a kinder or more helpful soul than Betty,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1110" id="Page_1110">[Pg 1110]</a></span> now a tall

-and beautiful girl of fourteen. Mrs. Washington's health was much

-shattered by this last and greatest sorrow, and Laurence, who had always

-been of a delicate constitution, became every day more feeble. George

-attended him assiduously, rarely leaving him. He persuaded his brother

-to ride out and take some interest in the place. He read to Laurence of

-evenings in the library, and tried to interest him with accounts of the

-new regions in which the younger brother had spent so many months.

-Nothing could ever make Laurence Washington a happy man again.</p>

-

-<p>Mrs. Washington's sorrow, though as great, was better controlled. She

-always managed to wear a cheerful look before her husband, and although

-she was not able to accompany him in his out-door life, she was with him

-every moment he spent in-doors. Betty was to her as great a comfort as

-George was to Laurence Washington. Betty had so tender a heart and so

-excellent an understanding that she was as helpful as a woman twice her

-age, and these two young creatures were mainstays and comforts at an age

-when most young creatures rely wholly on other people.</p>

-

-<p>All day they were engaged, each in gentle and untiring efforts to make

-life a little brighter to their brother and sister. But after the older

-persons had retired, every night, George and Betty would sit up over the

-fire in the library and talk for hours. Their conversations were not

-always sad&mdash;it is not natural for the young to dwell in sadness&mdash;but

-they were generally serious. One night Betty said:</p>

-

-<p>"Don't you think, George, we ought to write to our mother and ask her to

-let us stay over Christmas with brother Laurence and sister Anne? You

-remember how gay it was last Christmas, and how glad we were to be here?

-Now I think when they are in great trouble we ought to be as willing to

-stay with them as when they were happy and bright and could make us

-enjoy ourselves."</p>

-

-<p>"Betty," answered George, in admiration, "why did I not think of this? I

-see it is just what we ought to do."</p>

-

-<p>"Because," said Betty, promptly, "women are much more thoughtful than

-men, and girls are much more thoughtful than boys."</p>

-

-<p>George did not dispute this, as he had been taught never to call in

-question any woman's goodness, and in his heart he believed them to be

-all as good as his mother and Betty and his sister Anne. The lesson of

-chivalry towards all women had been early and deeply taught him, and it

-was a part of the fibre of his being. "And shall I write and ask our

-mother to let us stay?" asked George, humbly.</p>

-

-<p>"No," replied Betty, with a slight accent of scorn; "you might not ask

-it in the right way. I shall write myself."</p>

-

-<p>Now, although Betty always assumed, when alone with George, this

-superior tone, yet when they were in company nothing could exceed her

-submissiveness towards this darling brother, and it was then George's

-turn to treat her with condescending kindness. But each thought this

-arrangement perfectly natural and mutually satisfactory. Whenever they

-had a discussion, though, Betty always carried the day, for she was

-really a girl of remarkably fine sense, and much more glib and

-persuasive than George, who could always be silenced, if not convinced,

-by Betty's ready tongue and quick wit. The next day the letter was

-written, and within a week a reply was received giving permission for

-them to remain over Christmas.</p>

-

-<p>Mrs. Washington, ever thoughtful of others, made the same preparation

-for the holiday on the estate as usual, so that, however sad the house

-might be, the servants should have their share of jollity. But the tie

-between a kind master and mistress and their slaves was one of great

-affection, and especially were the white children objects of affection

-to the black people. Therefore, although the usual Christmas holiday was

-given, with all the extra allowances and indulgences, it was a quiet

-season at Mount Vernon. On Christmas day, instead of the merry party in

-carriages going to Pohick Church, and an equally merry one going on

-board the <i>Bellona</i> to service, the coach only took Mr. and Mrs.

-Washington and Betty to church, George riding with them, for he hated a

-coach, and never drove when he could ride.</p>

-

-<p>Meanwhile William Fairfax had returned to Belvoir, where there were

-Christmas festivities. George and Betty were asked, and although their

-brother and sister urged them to go, neither felt really inclined for

-gayety. They were not of those natures forever in pursuit of pleasure,

-although none could enjoy it more when it came rightly; and a native

-good sense and tender sympathy with others, which found no expression in

-words, made them both feel that they should omit no mark of respect in a

-case where they were so directly benefited as by the little girl's

-death. Laurence Washington and his wife could not admire too much

-George's delicacy about Mount Vernon. While he made use of the servants

-and the horses and carriages and boats, and everything else on the

-place, with the freedom of a son rather than of a younger brother, no

-word or look escaped him that indicated he was the heir.</p>

-

-<p>William Fairfax was a great resource to both George and Betty. Living a

-whole summer together as he and George had done, it was inevitable that

-they should become either very much attached or very antagonistic&mdash;and

-luckily they had become devotedly fond of one another. William was

-preparing to enter William and Mary College the following year, and

-George bitterly regretted that he would not have so pleasant a companion

-for his next summer's work. Very different were his circumstances now,

-the acknowledged heir of a rich brother. But George determined to act as

-if no such thing existed, and to carry out his plan of finishing the

-surveys on Lord Fairfax's lands. The universal expectation of war with

-France, whenever the French and English outposts should get sufficiently

-near, made him sure that he would one day bear arms; but he prepared for

-whatever the future might hold for him by doing his best in the present.</p>

-

-<p>In February he returned to Ferry Farm for a while, but he had been there

-only a month when Laurence Washington wrote, begging that he would

-return, and saying that he himself felt utterly unequal to carrying on

-the affairs of a great estate in his present wretched state of health

-and spirits. Madam Washington made no objection to George's return to

-Mount Vernon. She realized the full extent of Laurence's kind intentions

-towards George, and that his presence was absolutely necessary to keep

-the machinery of a large plantation going.</p>

-

-<p>In March, therefore, George was again at Mount Vernon, practically in

-charge of the place. There were ploughing and ditching and draining and

-clearing and planting to be done, and, with a force of a hundred and

-fifty field hands and eighteen hundred acres of arable land, it was no

-small undertaking. By daylight George was in the saddle, going first to

-the stables to see the stock fed, then to the kennels, and, after

-breakfast, riding over the whole estate. It kept him in the open air all

-day, and he began to like not only the life, but the responsibility. He

-had all the privileges of the master, Laurence leaving everything to his

-judgment, and his sister was glad to have it so. This continued until

-June, when, the crops being well advanced and Lord Fairfax having

-written urgently for him, he turned affairs over to the overseer until

-the autumn, and prepared to resume his work as a surveyor.</p>

-

-<p>He paid a hurried visit to Ferry Farm, where, although he was painfully

-missed, things went on perfectly well, for no better farmer than Madam

-Washington could be found in the colony of Virginia. Indeed, George's

-success at Mount Vernon was due in great measure to applying the sound

-system in vogue at Ferry Farm to the larger interests at Mount Vernon.

-Madam Washington's pride in his responsible position at Mount Vernon,

-and his still greater responsibility as a State surveyor for Lord

-Fairfax, did much to reconcile her to George's long absences. Deep in

-her heart she cherished a pride in her eldest son that was one of the

-master-passions of her life. The extreme respect that George paid her

-filled her with more satisfaction than the attentions of all the rest of

-the world. Once only had they clashed&mdash;in the matter of the midshipman's

-warrant. She had won a nominal victory by an appeal to his feelings, but

-she had no mind after that for any more battles of the sort. So, with

-tears, but with encouraging smiles, she saw him set forth, in the summer

-of 1749, upon his second year's work in the wilderness.</p>

-

-<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1111" id="Page_1111">[Pg 1111]</a></span></p>

-

-<h2><a name="HOW_TO_MANAGE_AN_AQUARIUM" id="HOW_TO_MANAGE_AN_AQUARIUM">HOW TO MANAGE AN AQUARIUM.</a></h2>

-

-<h3>BY JAMES STEELE.</h3>

-

-<p>It is generally supposed that it is necessary to change the water in an

-aquarium at least once a day; but that is not the case. The true

-principle on which an aquarium should be conducted is not to change the

-water at all, but so to aerate and refresh the original supply as to

-maintain it always in a pure and perfect state. There are several means

-by which this may be done. The healthy growth of plants is very

-important, and active and brisk contact with the air of the atmosphere

-will greatly freshen the water. Motion in the water is absolutely

-necessary. In large aquaria this is obtained by an arrangement of tanks

-into which the water is pumped, and from which it flows rapidly,

-circulating through the tanks where the fish live. In its passage

-through the air it absorbs considerable oxygen, without which no fish

-can live. Fish placed in water that has been boiled die in a very few

-minutes.</p>

-

-<p>In a small aquarium the water can be refreshed by frequently drawing it

-up through a glass or rubber syringe, and squirting it back into the

-vessel from some height above it.</p>

-

-<p>The first thing to be done in the formation of a fresh-water aquarium is

-to start your plants in proper soil at the bottom of your tank, fill the

-tank with water, and leave it undisturbed until the plants begin to grow

-and the little bubbles of oxygen are to be seen rising to the surface of

-the water.</p>

-

-<p>Choose your plants from such as you may collect from rivers or brooks or

-ponds anywhere in the country. Plant them, and then cover the surface of

-the soil with pebbles and small bits of rock, or anything that is

-suitable and in keeping with the rest of your arrangements. Never put

-sea-shells into a fresh-water aquarium, and never put in any artificial

-objects. Everything should be as simple and natural as you can make it.</p>

-

-<p>Now fill your tank with water poured through a siphon or funnel, being

-very careful not to disturb the soil or the roots of the plants. You

-should have some clean river sand in the bottom of your tank, and your

-pieces of rock should be so arranged as to form little caves and

-hiding-places for your fish. It will take perhaps two weeks to get your

-tank into a proper condition for fish to live in. Every bit of dead or

-decaying vegetation should be carefully removed. Keep your tank shaded

-from the heat of the sun, and expose it to the bright light only once in

-awhile.</p>

-

-<p>In order to manage your aquarium properly you will require a few simple

-tools. A little hand-net that can be bought for a few cents, or made for

-even less out of a bit of wire and a small piece of mosquito-netting, is

-useful for catching the fish or shells without putting your hands into

-the water. A pair of wooden forceps, like a glove-stretcher, will be

-found most convenient for nipping off bits of decaying plants or for

-catching objects that may have accidentally fallen into the water. Glass

-tubes of various sizes are also useful. If you want to catch any small

-object in the water with the tube, place the tube in the water with your

-finger over the hole in the top. Until your finger is removed the tube

-will remain full of air. Place it over the bit of refuse or whatever it

-is you want to catch, remove your finger, and the water will rush in,

-carrying the object with it into the tube, which should then be closed

-at the upper end by placing your finger over it as before. A glass or

-hard-rubber syringe is necessary with which to aerate the water

-thoroughly at least once a day, and oftener if possible. Fill the

-syringe, hold it high above the tank, and then squirt the water back

-again. A long piece of India-rubber tubing which may be used as a siphon

-is necessary for the purpose of changing the water in the tank, when it

-is evident that something has gone wrong.</p>

-

-<p>If a green film begins to gather on the side of the tank that is most

-exposed to the light, it should be cleaned away every day, and the sides

-of the glass polished carefully. A small piece of clean sponge tied on

-the end of a stick will answer the purpose very well, and, if used

-daily, you can keep the glass clear with very little trouble; but if the

-scum is neglected and left to accumulate, you will find it almost

-impossible to remove it from the glass even by hard scouring.</p>

-

-<p>It is best to have only small fish in your aquarium, and for this reason

-trout are not desirable. Although very beautiful and intelligent, they

-grow so rapidly that they are likely to become in a short time too

-unwieldy for your tank. Goldfish and minnows are very good, and the

-common little sunfish or "pumpkin-seed" is excellent.</p>

-

-<p>You must keep careful watch over the fish in your aquarium, and if any

-one of them appears to be sick he should be removed at once, very

-gently, with the hand-net, and placed in fresh water, where he will

-often recover. If, however, the little sufferer is doomed to die, it is

-better not to run the risk of his doing so among his healthy companions.

-It is best always to have a hospital for your sickly pets, and as soon

-as one of them, whether a fish or a bird or any animal, shows signs of

-ill health, he should be taken away from the others and placed by

-himself.</p>

-

-<p>Certain varieties of snails live well in fresh water, and will be found

-useful in clearing away the green film that is almost certain to collect

-on the side of the glass; but you must be careful or they will devour

-your plants as well; and if your tank is very small it is hardly worth

-while to try to keep them.</p>

-

-<p>Water-beetles and water-spiders also thrive well, and their habits are

-most interesting to watch; but water-beetles fly by night, and unless

-you are careful to cover your tank you are likely to discover some

-morning that a number of your tenants have taken French leave.</p>

-

-<p>You must be careful not to overstock your aquarium, for your fish will

-not thrive if they are overcrowded. Remember, also, that heat and dust

-are fatal to your pets. The water must be kept clean and cool at all

-times, and all foreign matter and every particle of decaying vegetation

-should be removed immediately.</p>

-

-<p>To manage an aquarium successfully, no matter on how small a scale,

-requires a good deal of care and time, but you will find it time well

-spent, and the pleasure and knowledge the study of your pets will give

-you will be an ample return for the time you spend on them.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2><a name="WHO_CAN_ANSWER" id="WHO_CAN_ANSWER">WHO CAN ANSWER?</a></h2>

-

-<h3>BY GRACE A. CANNON.</h3>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">The question's not a new one, dear,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">But one that ev'ry day</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Comes to some girls and boys I know</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">While at their work or play.</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">My Nanny comes to me at morn,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And with beseeching look,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Asks me if I can tell her where</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">She'll find her slate or book.</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">And Teddy comes to me and says,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Sometimes with downcast eye,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">"Mamma dear, won't you please to come</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And help me find my tie?"</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">And Alice, too, comes with a frown</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">When going out for play;</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">"Oh dear, mamma, what did I do</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">With my hat yesterday?"</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No hat is found out in the hall;</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">The book's not in its case;</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No tie is found upstairs to be</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">In its accustomed place.</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Now me the reason tell, my dear,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And quickly, if you can,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Why all these things may not be found</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">By Alice, Ted, or Nan?</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">The question's not a new one, dear,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">But one that ev'ry day</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Comes to some girls and boys I know</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">While at their work or play.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1112" id="Page_1112">[Pg 1112]</a></span></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="ADVENTURES_WITH_FRIEND_PAUL" id="ADVENTURES_WITH_FRIEND_PAUL"></a>

-<img src="images/ill_003.jpg" width="600" height="268" alt="ADVENTURES WITH FRIEND PAUL" />

-</div>

-

-<h3>BY PAUL DU CHAILLU.</h3>

-

-<h3>Part I.</h3>

-

-<p>Dear young folks of <span class="smcap">Harper's Round Table</span>, I have been invited by my

-friend, the Editor, to write for you a series of stories in which I

-shall tell you of some of the adventures that have happened to me in the

-great equatorial forest which begins on the west coast at the sea-shore

-and stretches far to the east on both sides of the equator, adventures

-which I have not told in <i>Stories of the Gorilla Country</i>, <i>Lost in the

-Jungle</i>, <i>Wild Life Under the Equator</i>, <i>My Apingi Kingdom</i>, and <i>The

-Country of the Dwarfs</i>, five books which I wrote especially for you.</p>

-

-<p>During my travels I have had so many strange adventures, I have endured

-so many days of hunger and starvation, I have had so many hair-breadth

-escapes, I have seen so many strange sights, I have met face to face so

-many savage and fierce men and still more savage and dangerous beasts,

-that I could spend days in recounting to you the adventures of my life.</p>

-

-<p>Africa is a wonderful country. There are great sandy deserts, extensive

-ranges of mountains, immense prairies, vast tracts of brushwood, swampy

-lands, great rivers and lakes; but the wonder of that large continent is

-the great equatorial forest I discovered, and which contains so many

-wild animals and interesting tribes of people.</p>

-

-<p>What an immense forest it is&mdash;a sea of trees, if I may use the

-expression! No one knows how wide it is, neither do we know its exact

-length.</p>

-

-<p>What gigantic trees are seen in that forest! Some rival in size the

-great California trees. These are the giants of the forest, and they

-rise two or three hundred feet above the other trees, upon which they

-look down. They are like sentinels watching over the country. Some of

-these big trees are worshipped by the natives. Under the roof of the

-mighty branches is the thick jungle, where no man can penetrate easily.

-The jungle is the undergrowth of the forest. It is made up of younger

-trees: lianas, thorny creepers, kinds of bamboo and rattan, thorny

-trees, sword-grass that cuts like a razor, and aloes plant in the swampy

-parts. In many places the explorer cannot see a yard off from where he

-stands.</p>

-

-<p>What beautiful butterflies and queer insects, rare birds&mdash;some with

-brilliant plumage&mdash;lovely and strange flowers and orchids the traveller

-will meet as he explores this unknown land! Though all alone in that

-great solitude, he will seldom feel lonely, for his mind will be

-occupied all the time.</p>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 466px;">

-<img src="images/ill_004.jpg" width="466" height="500" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">HIDDEN SNAKES THE CHIEF DANGER OF THE FOREST.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>There are also many disagreeable things in the forest. The most

-dangerous, for they are often enemies unseen, are the snakes. There are

-snakes that live chiefly in the water. I used to keep a sharp lookout

-for them when I bathed in the clear little streams which run through the

-woods. There are tree snakes, those who pass a great part of their time

-on trees and feed on squirrels, birds, and monkeys; and also land

-snakes&mdash;that is, snakes that never climb trees and seldom go into the

-water. The biggest of them is the python. Often they are coiled along

-the trunk of a tree waiting to spring upon a passing gazelle. But there

-are so many venomous snakes, it makes me shudder as I think of them with

-their triangular heads. What fangs they have, especially the <i>Clotho

-nasicornis</i>, a thick short snake! Its fangs for all the world look like

-fish bones. In color that snake can hardly be distinguished from the

-ground and dead leaves on which it crawls. It is of great thickness

-round the middle; its head is very huge and hideous, being triangular in

-shape, and having an erect proboscis or born rising from the tip of its

-nose. Besides snakes, there are centipedes, so-called because, I

-suppose, they have about a hundred legs. Their sting is poisonous, and

-in some cases fatal; those that are very dark in color are much dreaded.</p>

-

-<p>Then the scorpions! you find them everywhere, even between the leaves of

-your books!</p>

-

-<p>What narrow escapes I have had with snakes, scorpions, centipedes! I

-wonder sometimes that I am alive to tell of the things I have seen. I

-never used to lie down without looking for these creeping things. You

-think, naturally, that a man's life must be miserable on that account.

-Not at all; one gets accustomed to everything in the world. At last I

-did not mind it at all, I got so used to doing this every day.</p>

-

-<p>There were also many kinds of flies&mdash;called by the natives the mboco,

-ntchoona, the eloway. The mosquitoes will often plague us. We shall meet

-the terrible bashikonay ants. When they spread in the forest, they

-attack every living animal. All flee before them&mdash;gorilla, leopard, and

-elephant.</p>

-

-<p>In that great forest are many tribes of men; some of them wear no

-clothing whatever. These people worship idols, good and evil spirits;

-dread witchcraft, and put to death all those who they think are wizards

-or witches. They are constantly engaged in warfare against each other.

-The most fierce looking of all are the cannibal tribes. How horrid they

-look with their sharp-pointed teeth, which have been made so by being

-filed! What magnificent-looking warriors they are! What brave hunters!

-It was in their country that I shot my first gorilla.</p>

-

-<p>The strangest people I discovered were the dwarfs or pygmies, a race of

-people very diminutive in size. They looked so queer, especially the

-white-headed old folks. None of their houses is more than three feet in

-height. These pygmies, like the monkeys, lived chiefly on the fruits,

-berries, and nuts of the forest; they never cultivated the soil. But

-they knew the use of fire, knew how to trap game and cook their meat.</p>

-

-<p>All these tribes thought Friend Paul was a Moguizic, a supernatural

-being who had come from some part of the sky. Many believed that I had

-descended from the moon, and that I came to see the world and its

-inhabitants. They believed that I could do all kinds of supernatural

-things, and in many tribes where guns were unknown they thought I held

-thunder and lightning in my hands, and when I fired a gun they all fell

-low on the ground.</p>

-

-<p>Highways of communication and roads are unknown in this great dark

-Africa. But there are numerous paths going in every direction, so the

-traveller, if the natives are willing to guide him, can go from the west

-coast to the east coast, and from the Cape of Good Hope to Egypt,

-Morocco, and Algeria, or <i>vice versa</i>, for every village and tribe has

-paths leading towards the other. Often the paths leading from one

-village to another are very difficult to follow, for the jungle is so

-rank; and often they are closed for months on account of wars among

-different tribes.</p>

-

-<p>Such paths you have never seen&mdash;narrow, just wide enough for a man to go

-through the thick jungle. The branches of trees often join together.

-Here a big tree has fallen across the path, and you must either bend

-yourself to pass under it, or climb over it. If you cannot do either,

-then you must go around it. You have to walk over the roots of trees

-until your feet are sore. Sometimes then you fall in the midst of

-sword-grass, or under the canelike bamboos or palms, or have to walk in

-swamps filled with aloes. I still walk in a stooping manner, the result

-of my being obliged to bend constantly under branches of trees, or under

-fallen ones. Often a stream is your only path.</p>

-

-<p>Day after day, my dear young folks, Friend Paul spent travelling in that

-forest without hearing the chatter of a monkey or the shrill cry of a

-parrot. The only noise he could hear was now and then the falling of a

-leaf or the gentle murmur of a little stream wending its way towards

-some big unknown river which he hoped some day to find.</p>

-

-<p>I walked thousands and thousands of miles on foot under its shady trees.

-The foliage was so thick that sometimes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1113" id="Page_1113">[Pg 1113]</a></span> I was several weeks without

-being able to see the sun, the moon, or the stars, for my eyes could not

-penetrate the dense and thick leaves. How glad I was when I came to a

-river or an open space, and could see once more the sun, the moon, and

-the stars! I loved the stars, for without them and the moon I could not

-have known where I was; they showed me the way all through my travels.</p>

-

-<p>Not only had I to travel on foot, but everything I had to take with me

-had to be carried on the backs of men, for no beasts of burden are to be

-found in the big forest. There are no camels, no donkeys, no horses, no

-oxen; and had I taken some with me they would have died of starvation,

-for there were no pastures, and they could not have lived on the

-different leaves of the trees or of the jungle. Besides, they could not

-have gone through the narrow crooked path of the great forest.</p>

-

-<p>Rain falls almost every night for hours, accompanied by such thunder and

-lightning as you have never heard or seen in our country. The claps of

-thunder are so terrific that often they made me jump from my bed of

-leaves. The lightning at times is so vivid that it pierces the foliage

-of the trees; and as to the heavy rain, it often falls like a solid

-sheet of water for hours, and this happens almost every night for nine

-months of the year. After the rainy season comes the dry season&mdash;cold,

-for sometimes the thermometer falls to 66° Fahrenheit. I felt then this

-low temperature very much. Not a drop of rain falls during the dry

-season; but far in the interior, in the mountain regions, it rains

-twelve months of the year, but during three months of that time no

-thunder is heard.</p>

-

-<p>If the men are strange, the beasts roaming in that great forest are

-still more wonderful to behold. The huge elephant roams everywhere on

-its rivers and lakes, the hippopotami are numerous in the sluggish

-streams, and the lakes are filled with crocodiles of huge size. The

-great gorilla, which I discovered, is the terror of the natives, and is

-called by them the Giant of the Forest. The strong man of the woods

-wanders continually in search of fruits, berries, and nuts. When night

-comes he sleeps at the foot of a tree, while his wife, the female

-gorilla, is sleeping on its branches. The gorilla never makes a shelter

-or a house for himself. Those who describe them as making houses mislead

-you. Friend Paul killed many of these gorillas, and was the first white

-man who ever hunted them and saw them in their wild state.</p>

-

-<p>Besides the gorilla, Friend Paul saw several other wonderful kinds of

-man-like apes, also the common chimpanzee, called by the natives

-nshiego. Then he discovered three new species or varieties of the

-chimpanzee family, known to the natives under the names of

-Nshiego-mbouve, apes with bald heads and black faces; the

-Nshiego-nkengo, whose faces always remain yellow; and the Kooloo-kamba.

-All these apes are very shy, and the hunter to approach them has to be

-very wary.</p>

-

-<p>Dear friends, we are to travel together in that great African forest. We

-will carry no tents with us; we will build a new camp every day when we

-are on the march, and we will protect ourselves from the rain by

-building slanting roofs, covered with large leaves put on the top of

-each other as we do with shingles, slates, or tiles at home. We will

-protect ourselves from the wild beasts by burning all night large

-fires&mdash;the wild beasts are afraid of fire. These fires will protect us

-also from snakes and voracious ants.</p>

-

-<p>When we cannot find game we will be hungry together, and, like the

-monkeys, we will have to eat the wild berries, nuts, and fruits of the

-forest. When we cannot find these we will starve together until

-Providence comes to our rescue. At other times, when food is very scarce

-and it becomes a matter of life and death, we will be obliged to eat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1114" id="Page_1114">[Pg 1114]</a></span>

-snakes, or sometimes leopards. When we have plenty, we will eat

-elephants, hippopotami, crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar, antelope,

-gazelles, and other animals. Often we will feast on monkeys&mdash;these at

-certain times of the year are delicious. Then, when we get into regions

-where no animals are to be seen, and fruits, nuts, and berries cannot be

-found&mdash;then we will drink water, which will help us to keep body and

-soul together. At times we will lie down under some big tree, ill with

-fever or weak from starvation. Then we shall think of the sweet home

-that is so far away, and wonder if we will ever return there again.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2><a name="CAPTAIN_HANKS_SUBSTITUTE" id="CAPTAIN_HANKS_SUBSTITUTE">CAPTAIN HANK'S SUBSTITUTE.</a></h2>

-

-<p>Captain Hank of the Life-boat Patrol Service and Jack Hawley were old

-friends. The Captain had been at the station near Jack's house for a

-number of seasons, and when Jack first met him he was such a little chap

-that the Captain called him "Shorty." Jack had grown, however, into a

-strong hearty lad, and his one ambition was to get into the life-boat

-service.</p>

-

-<p>While they were talking one night in the station the sharp ring of the

-telephone bell made all hands glance up anxiously. Captain Hank strode

-over to the receiver.</p>

-

-<p>"Hullo!&mdash;Yes, Captain Hank.&mdash;What is it? Tramp steamer ashore? Yes. How

-many men do you want? Hullo! Yes. Full relief? All right&mdash;send them

-immediately. Good-by.</p>

-

-<p>"Boys, there's a tramp ashore at the lower station; want the full

-relief. Trot along, and get back as soon as you can. There's a nasty sea

-on to-night, and, with the wind right on shore, we might want you."</p>

-

-<p>The men donned their oil-skins and boots, and trotted off down the beach

-to the lower station, some five miles below. The Captain glanced at the

-remaining men, enough to man the life-boat, with the man out on patrol.</p>

-

-<p>"It's a fearful night out, boys," he said.</p>

-

-<p>The words had hardly left his mouth when the door opened and the patrol

-rushed in.</p>

-

-<p>"Three-master ashore on the outer bar, Captain."</p>

-

-<p>Like a flash every man was on his feet and into his oil-skins. Seizing

-the gun-carriage, they rushed it out and down the plank runway to the

-beach. Jack ran along with them, and strained his eyes as the Coston

-signal-light lit up the raging sea and disclosed to view a large

-three-master lying almost on her beam ends. There was a slight

-phosphorescent glow where the mad seas, lashed into foam, broke about

-her, sweeping the decks. Even as he looked two of her masts toppled and

-fell with a crash. On the shrouds of the remaining one a dark group was

-huddled.</p>

-

-<p>Jack's heart thrilled with excitement and pity. Poor fellows! their

-lives must be saved!</p>

-

-<p>The life-saving crew were busy with the gun, and in a few minutes away

-went the shot carrying a delicate line out to the wreck. It fell short

-or the wind drove it back. Again and again they tried it, but without

-success. The wind seemed to carry it to one side.</p>

-

-<p>"It's no use, boys, trying to rig the breeches buoy," roared the

-Captain; "we've got to man the life-boat, so get on your corks. I'll

-telephone to the lower station to see if I can get any of the boys

-back."</p>

-

-<p>Jack longed to go in the boat, but he knew it was impossible, and,

-sheltered behind it, he watched the black shadow on the bar, and hoped

-they would be in time to save the lives out there. The wind was sweeping

-and screaming with violent force, and the cold spray lashed the beach

-with foam. Jack heard one of the men yell to his neighbor that the

-Captain was a long while, and, thinking he could be of help, he ran back

-to hurry him up.</p>

-

-<p>As he entered the station a low groan greeted him. The Captain lay in

-the middle of the floor, motionless. He had stumbled over some rope in

-his hurry, and broken his arm.</p>

-

-<p>"It's no use, Jack," he moaned; "I can't go out with this arm. We will

-need the six oars in such a sea."</p>

-

-<p>Jack paused. "Captain," he said, "they will launch the boat." And

-catching a heavy oil-skin coat off a peg he rushed down to the beach.

-The men stood waiting, looking out to sea. Without saying a word he

-gripped the boat, and when the right breaker came he gruffly shouted,

-"Now, men," as he had often heard the Captain, and with a strong heave

-and all together they rushed the boat out into the surf and leaped

-aboard.</p>

-

-<p>Jack seized the steering-oar, and before the next wave could swamp them

-they got a grip on the water and successfully mounted it. It was a

-remarkable launch in such a sea, and promised success for their other

-efforts.</p>

-

-<p>They were going right into the teeth of the gale, and the crew rose to

-the work. It was hard work, though. The wind beat them back, tearing at

-their frail craft with fierce tugs, dashing the frozen spray over them

-in sheets. To reach the wreck Jack had to keep off the wind a little,

-and time and time again the boat's head would swing around, and his

-heart would jump as the monstrous waves threatened to swamp her.</p>

-

-<p>His hands were numb with cold and his face frozen with spray. The crew

-bent over their oars. They knew nothing of the change of Captains, and

-when they heard the gruff commands, they may have wondered at the

-boyishness of the tones, but never dreamed who was steering the boat.</p>

-

-<p>They were nearing the ship, and with admirable skill, in keeping with

-his efforts from the start, Jack got up in the lee of the wreck,

-directly under the shrouds to which the group was clinging. Slowly but

-surely, one by one, the men scrambled down the rigging and, when a

-favorable opportunity presented itself, leaped aboard.</p>

-

-<p>There were five men, and as the last came aboard Jack did a neat bit of

-steering that even the brave crew of the life-boat noticed and cheered.

-They left the wreck, and with their backs to the mad wind, they bounded

-over the roaring waves towards the shore.</p>

-

-<p>Jack kept the boat directly in front of the storm, and as they neared

-the surf his command rang out, "Steady!" And then a gigantic wave raised

-them on its crest and, with a swirl and a roar, ran them upon the beach.

-In a trice they ran the boat out of reach of the surf.</p>

-

-<p>In the snug warmth of the station the crew started to cheer the dripping

-Captain in his oil-skins; but when he took off the broad-brimmed hat

-that hid his face and they saw Jack, they were mute. One of them rushed

-to their Captain's bunk, and when he saw the helpless figure of the real

-Captain lying there, he pointed to it and then to Jack.</p>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Hubert Earl</span>.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2><a name="UP_IN_A_WATER-SPOUT" id="UP_IN_A_WATER-SPOUT">UP IN A WATER-SPOUT.</a></h2>

-

-<h3>ONE OF THE OLD SAILOR'S YARNS.</h3>

-

-<h3>BY W.&nbsp;J. HENDERSON.</h3>

-

-<p>The Old Sailor sat on the end of the pier, but he was restless and ill

-at ease. He looked often at the southwestern sky, where heavy blue-black

-clouds were massing themselves in low and writhing shapes. He shook his

-head solemnly, rose to his feet, and walked nervously up and down.</p>

-

-<p>"This are the werry identical kind o' day it were," he muttered, "an' ef

-we don't see some on 'em to-day, w'y, I'm a bloomin' marine, that's

-wot."</p>

-

-<p>"See some of what?" inquired a voice behind him; and turning, he saw the

-two boys.</p>

-

-<p>"Waal, waal, waal!" he exclaimed; "you two infants is a-gettin' 'most as

-weatherwise as tree-frogs."</p>

-

-<p>This exclamation was not unnatural, for the two boys were clad in long

-sea-boots, oil-skins, and sou'westers.</p>

-

-<p>"Ye look like a pair o' sunflowers," said the Old Sailor, with

-admiration in his tone, "an' I reckon ye don't worry much about the rain

-wot are a-comin'."</p>

-

-<p>"No; I guess we will not get wet," said Henry, laughing.</p>

-

-<p>"But s'posin'&mdash;now mind I don't go fur to say it'll happen&mdash;but s'posin'

-ye was to go fur to come fur to git carried up aloft."</p>

-

-<p>"What ever do you mean?" asked George.</p>

-

-<p>"Look down yonder&mdash;quick!" exclaimed the Old Sailor, pointing to the

-southern horizon.</p>

-

-<p>The boys saw an immense blue-black cloud, from which hung down a great

-dark cone. A similar cone, point upward,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1115" id="Page_1115">[Pg 1115]</a></span> rose from the sea, and the two

-were joined by a slender wavering black column.</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, what is it?" cried George.</p>

-

-<p>"I know," exclaimed Henry. "It's a water-spout."</p>

-

-<p>"It's going out to sea," ejaculated George.</p>

-

-<p>"Werry good; werry good indeed," said the Old Sailor, sagely; "it

-sartainly are a-goin' out to sea. 'Cos w'y, it can't go on land, 'cos it

-are a water-spout an' not a landspout, w'ich the same there ain't none,

-'ceptin' them on the sides o' houses fur rain to go down, an' them

-mostly leaks."</p>

-

-<p>The three stood and watched the dreaded monster of the sea&mdash;a rare sight

-indeed near shore&mdash;until it passed out of sight.</p>

-

-<p>"It are gone," said the Old Sailor, "an' it 'ain't took nothin' with 't

-'ceptin' wind an' water."</p>

-

-<p>"Do they ever take anything else with them?" asked George.</p>

-

-<p>"W'ich the same they do," answered the Old Sailor; "an' wot they takes

-ain't never come back but oncet, as I knows on. I knowed we'd see some

-on 'em to-day; 'cos w'y, this are the kind o' day wot breeds 'em, an' it

-are the werry identical kind o' day wot it all happened on."</p>

-

-<p>So saying, the Old Sailor sat down on the end of the pier, and the boys

-seated themselves beside him.</p>

-

-<p>"This 'ere yarn wot I'm a goin' fur to tell ye," began the Old Sailor,

-"are a most ser'ous tale, an' I hopes as how 't won't go fur to give ye

-no nightmare. I were fust mate o' the barkentine <i>Herrin' Bones</i>, bound

-from Rio Janeiro to New York. She were a wall-sided hooker, with double

-to'-gallants, an' a werry disrepitable habit o' goin' to leeward."</p>

-

-<p>"What was her cargo?" asked George.</p>

-

-<p>"I allers tells ye wot the cargo were, my son, but this 'ere wessel

-didn't have no cargo; she were flyin' light, an' preehaps 'twould 'a'

-bin better ef she'd had more ballast aboard. Her Cap'n were Gawge W.

-Smoke, an' her second mate were a long-legged feller from New Orleans,

-named Pierre Crust, an' a werry crusty Pierre he were too. Waal, to git

-right down to the business part o' this 'ere yarn wot I'm a-tellin' ye,

-I'll say that we didn't have nothin' but fair weather an' good

-to'-gallant breezes till we got right up atwixt St. Thomas an' Bermooda,

-an' then it rained an' blowed squalls an' thunder-storms fur two days

-an' nights all round the compass. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he to me,

-sez he, 'It ain't no fittin' weather fur to be buggaluggin' round here.'

-An' sez I to he, sez I, 'It ain't, but here we be, an' we can't fly

-away,' sez I, jess like that, him bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate, an' the

-barkentine bein' the <i>Herrin' Bones</i>. But ef I'd knowed wot were

-a-comin', I'd never said nothin'.</p>

-

-<p>"Waal, them squalls an' thunder-storms kep' a-gettin' thicker an'

-blacker, till byme-by the hull sky all round were jess like it were down

-yonder a leetle while ago. An' Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he allowed that we'd

-best stand by fur water-spouts. Sure 'nuff, 'twere jess about six bells

-in the forenoon watch o' the second day o' this 'ere cantankerous

-weather, w'en the lookout sung out, 'Water-spout on the weather bow!'

-'Fore we had time to look at it another hand sighted one on the lee bow,

-an' some one else seed one on the weather-quarter. In less 'n five

-minutes we sighted seven on 'em to wind'ard an' six to leeward, makin'

-thirteen, w'ich the same that are a werry unlucky number.</p>

-

-<p>"Waal, we clapped on a leetle more sail, hopin' fur to run out o' this

-'ere convention o' water-spouts. But, bless ye! ye might as well 'a'

-tried to git away from a express train by runnin' down the track ahead

-o't. They was comin' down on us at a powerful gait. W'en the biggest one

-were about half a mile away, we could see it whirlin' round an' round

-like a big wheel, an' it roared like Niagarer Falls, w'ich the same ye

-'ain't never seed, but ye see pictures of 'em in your geoggerfy. Pierre

-Crust, our second mate, he got so skeered he jess went an' hid his head

-under a deck bucket. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he give orders to clew up the

-to'-gallants, so's to stop the vessel, hopin' that the spout'd pass

-ahead on us. But, bless ye! the bloomin', bleedin', blasted thing turned

-out of its course, an' kep' a-comin' right fur us.</p>

-

-<p>"'We're bound for Davy Jones's locker,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez

-he. 'It are a-goin' to break right on top o' us.'</p>

-

-<p>"'Werry good, sir,' sez I. 'Axin' your parmission, I'll put on a

-life-persarver.'</p>

-

-<p>"''Twon't do ye no good,' sez he. 'W'en she breaks on us she'll drive us

-twenty fathom down. Here it comes! Stan' by, all hands, to go under

-hatches.'</p>

-

-<p>"Roarin' like a thunder-storm, an' loomin' over us like a iceberg turned

-black, the water-spout come to the barkentine. We all shut our eyes, an'

-held our breath, an' waited to be buried under a million tons o' water.

-But may I never live to see lobscouse agin ef the bloomin' thing busted

-at all! We felt the ship give a lurch an' a jump, an' then she started

-off at the rate o' thirty knots an hour.</p>

-

-<p>"'Wot are it?' yelled the Cap'n.</p>

-

-<p>"'The water-spout!' I yells back. 'She's picked us up!'"</p>

-

-<p>The Old Sailor paused to gaze around the horizon, and the two boys gazed

-at one another in breathless amazement. In a moment their remarkable

-friend resumed his narrative.</p>

-

-<p>"It weren't no sort o' pickle fur a decent old barkentine to be in, an'

-the <i>Herrin' Bones</i> knowed it, but there she were. She were a-sailin'

-round and round like a chicken with its head off. Her keel were in the

-water o' the spout, an' her masts was a-stickin' out sideways like

-toothpicks out o' old Bill Smorkey's mouth arter dinner. W'y, blow me

-fur a farmer ef I don't b'lieve she'd 'a' fell off the bloomin' thing

-sideways ef it hadn't bin that the wind wot the spout made a-goin' round

-filled the sail she had spread, an' so kep' her up.</p>

-

-<p>"'Clew up the foretops'l!' hollered Pierre Crust.</p>

-

-<p>"'Let it alone,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he. 'D'ye want to fall

-off this 'ere marine buzz-saw an' git drownded?'</p>

-

-<p>"'Stop the ship; we're out o' our course,' sez Tobias Kitten, the

-carpenter, w'ich the same he ort to bin a tailor, 'cos w'y, he didn't

-know no more about a ship nor a feller wot sits cross-legged onto a

-table an' mends pants fur a livin'.</p>

-

-<p>"'Out o' our course!' sez the Cap'n, sez he. 'I wish the bloomin'

-water-spout were out o't.'</p>

-

-<p>"All hands was a-layin' flat on deck, with our feet agin' the lee

-rail&mdash;leastways it ort to bin the lee rail, 'cos it were the one wot

-were down, but it weren't, 'cos the wind were blowin' up, an' things was

-ginerally goin' back end fust, like a Chinese junk in a head-sea.</p>

-

-<p>"'D'ye think she'd right herself ef we cut away the masts?' Cap'n Gawge

-W. Smoke sez he to me.</p>

-

-<p>"'Mebbe she would,' sez I to he; 'but ef she did we'd have water on top

-o' us, an' then good-by.'</p>

-

-<p>"'Then I'm blowed ef I know wot to do with her,' sez he to me, sez he.

-An' me not knowin' wot to say back, I didn't say nothin', but hung on

-with both hands.</p>

-

-<p>"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust; 'we're a-goin' up this 'ere dreadful

-thing. Look down!'</p>

-

-<p>"An', sure 'nuff, w'en I looked over the side I seed a ship away down

-below us on the sea, an' her Cap'n were a-lookin' at us through a

-telescup, he were.</p>

-

-<p>"'Salt me down fur a mackerel,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'ef ever I

-thought that any ship o' mine would go fur to turn herself into a

-bloomin' balloon!'</p>

-

-<p>"All the time we was a-sailin' round an' round the spout like it was a

-corkscrew worked by steam, an' we was a-goin' up an' up.</p>

-

-<p>"'I wonder ef there's water 'nuff up there to float the old hooker?' sez

-Pierre Crust.</p>

-

-<p>"'Waal,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'she can't go aground in the clouds,

-anyhow, an' there ain't no rocks either.'</p>

-

-<p>"'Waal,' sez I to he, sez I, 'w'ere d'ye think she will go?'</p>

-

-<p>"An' he jess looks at me fur a minute, an' then sez he, 'Preehaps you'd

-like to get out a chart an' figger out yer position,' sez he to me, him

-bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate.</p>

-

-<p>"All this time the <i>Herrin' Bones</i> were a-sailin' around an' around the

-bloomin' water-spout an' goin' up an' up. Now you know, 'cos you jess

-seed a werry short time ago, that them water-spouts widens out at the

-top till they just spreads right out into the flat clouds. Waal, we all

-commenced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1116" id="Page_1116">[Pg 1116]</a></span> fur to wonder wot'd happen to us ef the <i>Herrin' Bones</i> kep'

-on a-goin' up. Putty soon she beginned fur to lean over so that her deck

-weren't no safe place to stay on, an' then Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he

-orders all han's fur to go b'low.</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 338px;">

-<img src="images/ill_005.jpg" width="338" height="500" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">THE PRECARIOUS POSITION OF THE "HERRIN' BONES."</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>"'Might as well go to the clouds comf'table,' sez he. We all went b'low

-an' shut all the hatches. Then there weren't nothin' to do 'ceptin' fur

-to wait developments, as the old hen said w'en she sot down on the

-duck's egg. Byme-by the bark were hove over so fur that we was all

-a-settin' on her side, with the decks risin' up like walls on both sides

-of us. We could hear the ballast tumblin' over itself down in the hold,

-an' our stores was mixed up into the werry wust sea-salad wot any one

-ever seed.</p>

-

-<p>"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust, sez he, hidin' his head in a

-cracker-box, 'we're a-goin' to fall out o' the clouds upside down an' be

-all smashed up.'</p>

-

-<p>"He were a werry ostridge sort o' man, he were, 'cos he allers thort as

-how he were out o' danger ef he had his measly old head hid. Howsumever,

-we all thort putty much the same as he did, an' we weren't in no

-partikler humor fur to dance hornpipes about it.</p>

-

-<p>"'She's a gittin' furder over!' yelled Tobias Kitten.</p>

-

-<p>"An' so she were. We couldn't stay on the sides o' her any more, but had

-to sit down on the under sides o' the decks&mdash;wot shore-folks would call

-the ceilin'. An' the furniture in the cabin, bein' screwed fast, were

-all a-hangin' down from overhead.</p>

-

-<p>"'Waal, may I be squilgeed inside an' out with a paint brush,' sez Cap'n

-Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'ef ever I expected fur to be master o' any

-wessel wot were so undecent as to sail on her head.'</p>

-

-<p>"'Tobias Kitten,' sez I, 'slide back the hatch an inch an' tell us what

-ye can see.'</p>

-

-<p>"An' Tobias he laid down flat on his face, slid the hatch back, and

-peaked out. Then he shut it with a bang, an' turned paler'n he were

-afore.</p>

-

-<p>"'S'help me gracious goodness!' sez he; 'yo can't see nothin' 'cept

-white steam.'</p>

-

-<p>"Then we knowed we was up in the clouds fur sure, an' we all felt putty

-ser'ous; 'cos w'y, w'd never bin there afore, an' we didn't know nothin

-about the rules an' regulations o' livin' up there. All on a suddent

-there were a most fearful crash o' thunder.</p>

-

-<p>"'By the great hook block!' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'we're in

-a thunder-cloud.'</p>

-

-<p>"'An' mebbe w'en it begins for to rain,' sez I, 'we'll git rained down

-to 'arth agin.'</p>

-

-<p>"'Oh my! Oh my!' hollered Pierre Crust, out o' the cracker-box. 'On our

-heads! Oh dear! We're all dead men, sure.'</p>

-

-<p>"Waal, arter that fur half an hour it were not possible fur to carry on

-any werry improvin' conwersation, 'cos w'y, it were a-thunderin' an'

-a-lightnin' an' a-roarin' all around us, sech as no one never heerd

-afore. Then all on a suddent the bloomin' deck dropped right from under

-us, an' we was kinder floatin' around, a-grabbin' right an' left at

-things, all 'ceptin' Pierre Crust, an' he jess kep' his head in the

-cracker-box an' kicked out with his feet.</p>

-

-<p>"'We're a-fallin'! We're a-fallin'!' he yelled.</p>

-

-<p>"An' so we wuz. An' w'ile we wuz a-fallin' I seed the side o' the wessel

-come under me, an' then slide around till the floor o' the cabin were

-under me, an' then&mdash;boom! There were a most awful thump, an' a squash

-like wot ye hear w'en yo throw a stone into a mud-puddle, an' there we

-was."</p>

-

-<p>"Where?" cried both boys.</p>

-

-<p>"In the blessed Atlantic Ocean," said the Old Sailor, solemnly, "about a

-hundred miles this side o' Bermooda. An' Pierre Crust he pulled his head

-out o' the cracker-box an' bounced on deck, an' sez he:</p>

-

-<p>"'Wot was all you men so scared about? Turn to, now, an' get the cloth

-on her, an' we'll make Sandy Hook Light-ship in two days.'</p>

-

-<p>"An' so we did, too. An' w'en we got to New York we read in the papers

-as how the Cap'n o' the ship <i>Beeswax</i> had seen a cur'ous mirage of a

-ship sailin' round an' round a water-spout. But we never could get

-nobody to b'lieve as how 'twere us."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1117" id="Page_1117">[Pg 1117]</a></span></p>

-

-<h2><a name="IN_THE_OLD_HERRICK_HOUSE" id="IN_THE_OLD_HERRICK_HOUSE">IN THE OLD HERRICK HOUSE.</a></h2>

-

-<h3>BY ELLEN DOUGLAS DELAND.</h3>

-

-<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 172px;">

-<img src="images/ill_006.jpg" width="172" height="172" alt="Drop Cap T" />

-</div>

-

-<p>he first week of Valentine's stay passed rapidly. So much of his time

-was occupied in visits to the oculist and in seeing the sights of the

-city that he was not in the house during the greater part of the day.</p>

-

-<p>The Misses Herrick began to fuel some degree of liking for the boy, who,

-though occasionally noisy, was always polite, and he and Elizabeth were

-soon firm friends.</p>

-

-<p>She had carried out her intention of consulting him about the affairs

-which most interested her. She had told him of her longing for their

-father's return and of the letter she had written to him; she had even

-conducted him to the mysterious room.</p>

-

-<p>Her aunts had gone out of town for the afternoon, and Miss Rice was also

-absent. The coast was exceptionally clear, for Marie, who had charge of

-the little girl, was only too ready to neglect her duties.</p>

-

-<p>Elizabeth was somewhat disappointed, however, by the effect produced

-upon Valentine by the disclosure of the room, or rather, the lack

-effect. He was apparently not in the least impressed.</p>

-

-<p>He looked about him, inspected the letters, took down a little clock

-from the mantelpiece and examined it, and then walked to the window.</p>

-

-<p>"Well," said Elizabeth, who was impatiently waiting for some expression

-of wonder, "what do you think of it?"</p>

-

-<p>"I don't see anything to make such a fuss over. Just a room, like

-anybody's else."</p>

-

-<p>"But whose was it?"</p>

-

-<p>"Don't know and don't care."</p>

-

-<p>"You don't? Why, I think it is the most exciting thing I ever heard of!"</p>

-

-<p>"If that isn't just like a girl! I suppose Marjorie would go wild over

-it too. But come along down to the garden. I haven't seen the Brady

-family yet, and I believe that is one of the girls down in the alley

-now."</p>

-

-<p>"It is," said Elizabeth, joining him at the window. "It is Eva Louise.

-Very well, we will go down. But I do wish you would be more excited over

-the room."</p>

-

-<p>"It takes a good deal to excite me," replied her guest. "If it were a

-game of football, now, or a bicycle-race, I might get excited; but just

-a room!"</p>

-

-<p>It would be impossible to convey an idea of the lofty scorn expressed by

-Valentine's voice; and much disappointed and feeling somewhat crushed,

-Elizabeth put away the keys. Then getting her hat and warm jacket, for

-the fall days were growing colder, she followed Valentine to the garden,

-and together they went out through the back gate.</p>

-

-<p>It is one of the peculiarities of Philadelphia that small streets known

-as "alleys" intersect the larger thoroughfares, and in many cases behind

-the handsomest houses are small dwellings in which live very poor

-families.</p>

-

-<p>The Herricks' garden occupied a large amount of space, and the alley and

-its inhabitants were almost too far away to be noticeable; but they were

-there, all the same, and here Elizabeth's friends, the Brady family,

-lived in a manner which formed a startling contrast to her own home.</p>

-

-<p>"I have thought of something," exclaimed Elizabeth, stopping short in

-the alley. Eva Louise, seeing them coming, had disappeared behind her

-own back gate. Even in so humble an abode as that of the Bradys it was

-only the back which opened upon the alley.</p>

-

-<p>"What is it?" asked Valentine.</p>

-

-<p>"It is about the Bradys," said Elizabeth, standing close to him and

-speaking in a low, mysterious voice that she might not be overheard from

-the other side of the fence. "Don't you think, Val, that it must be very

-hard for those girls to live in such a tiny little house and never to

-have a bit good time? Why, Eva Louise thinks the very nicest thing she

-can do is to play jack-stones on people's door-steps. Just think of it,

-Val, jack-stones! And she told me once that she had never been inside of

-any house, except those in their street that are like their own!"</p>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1118" id="Page_1118">[Pg 1118]</a></span></p>

-

-<p>"Well, what of it? We can't help it; and what is your idea?"</p>

-

-<p>"But we can help it! That is just what I am going to tell you. We can

-invite the Bradys in to see us."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, my eye! What would Aunt Caroline say?"</p>

-

-<p>Elizabeth was silent for a minute. She had not thought of that. "I don't

-know," she said, slowly. "I don't suppose Aunt Caroline would like it.

-We will have to give it up."</p>

-

-<p>"No, we won't," returned Val, who was becoming bored with city life and

-longed for excitement of some kind. "Let's have a party to-day while the

-aunts are away. They would never know."</p>

-

-<p>"We might; but I should tell them afterwards, of course. I really

-should, Val."</p>

-

-<p>"Seems to me you are getting pretty particular all of a sudden. How

-about that room that you go to all the time on the sly?"</p>

-

-<p>"That is true. I don't believe that is right. Why didn't you say so

-before, Val? I will tell Aunt Caroline to-night."</p>

-

-<p>"I say," interrupted Valentine, "I've got a dandy idea! Let's ask the

-Brady family over, and take them up to that room! No one will ever know,

-and it would be a jolly lark. I'll open the front door, and the servants

-won't know, either. It will be no end of fun. You go after them now and

-bring them over. You see, if we had them in the other part of the house

-we couldn't keep them out of sight, and the servants would make a fuss."</p>

-

-<p>Elizabeth looked doubtful. "I should like to," she said, "but we shall

-have to keep very quiet there, and not disturb the things in the room

-much. It really seems as if we ought to give them a good time, though,

-and when I explain it all to Aunt Caroline I don't believe she will

-mind; do you? At least, not so very much."</p>

-

-<p>"Of course she won't," said Valentine, hopefully, upon whom the scheme

-had taken a strong hold. "Go and get them and bring them around to the

-front door, and I will let you in."</p>

-

-<p>And without giving her time to remonstrate, Val left her and ran up the

-garden walk to the house.</p>

-

-<p>"After all," said Elizabeth to herself, "it can't be a wrong thing to

-do, for it says in the Bible that when people give parties they ought to

-invite all kinds of queer people. I remember perfectly it says to call

-in the lame, the halt, and the blind. I always thought 'call in' was

-such a funny expression, but I am sure it says it somewhere in the

-Bible, and I think it was about that party. Now the Brady family are not

-lame or blind, but perhaps they are halt. I never knew what halt meant,

-and very likely they <i>are</i> halt. Anyhow, I mean to call them in." And

-suiting the action to the word, she raised her voice and called loudly:

-"Eva Louise! Eva Louise!"</p>

-

-<p>Eva Louise had been surveying her neighbors through a hole in the fence

-for some time. She had even caught a word or two of the conversation,

-and had heard her own name mentioned, but she had not understood what it

-was all about. Now, seeing that Elizabeth was alone, she opened the

-gate.</p>

-

-<p>"What do yer want?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p>"Is Bella at home?"</p>

-

-<p>"Guess so."</p>

-

-<p>"And Tom?"</p>

-

-<p>"Nope."</p>

-

-<p>"Is Dick?"</p>

-

-<p>"Nope."</p>

-

-<p>"Isn't George?"</p>

-

-<p>"Nope."</p>

-

-<p>"Nor Billy?"</p>

-

-<p>"Nope."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, dear me, I am so sorry! Then who is at home?"</p>

-

-<p>"Me an' Bella an' the baby an' ma an', I guess, pop. He's mostly home.

-Pop ain't workin' now, but the boys is. What do yer want?"</p>

-

-<p>"Well, I want to invite you all over to our house. I am sorry the boys

-are not at home." Here Elizabeth paused, somewhat embarrassed. She did

-not care particularly about having "ma" and "pop" Brady. The former was

-inclined to be cross, and there was a disagreeable odor about Mr. Brady

-which it was well to avoid. Elizabeth did not know just what it was, but

-it reminded her of that which was sometimes wafted to her from a corner

-saloon. Clearly it would not do to "call in" Mr. and Mrs. Brady. "Well,"

-she said, with a sudden inspiration, "this is to be a young people's

-party. My brother and I are going to give it. I want to invite you and

-Bella to my house right away."</p>

-

-<p>"To your house?" repeated the wondering Eva Louise.</p>

-

-<p>"Yes. And we will go around outside to Fourth Street. Go get Bella."</p>

-

-<p>So Eva Louise went into the house and informed her astonished family

-that she and Bella were "axed to a party over to Herrickses." Whereupon

-Mrs. Brady promptly seized first one and then the other of her

-daughters, vigorously applied a scrubbing-brush to hands and faces, set

-upon the tangled heads two gaudy hats with lace and flowers, pinned

-together the gaping rent in Bella's frock, and pronounced them ready.</p>

-

-<p>"And mind yer manners," she cautioned. "Act pretty, an' mebbe the

-ladies'll give yer each a present. There's no knowin'."</p>

-

-<p>And then they rejoined Elizabeth in the alley, where she had waited,

-their hearts beating high with hope.</p>

-

-<p>The little group passed out of the alley and around through Spruce

-Street to Fourth Street. A number of people turned and looked at the

-oddly assorted trio walking so soberly along, Elizabeth, in her large

-felt hat and pretty jacket, between Eva Louise and Bella, in their

-tawdry finery and ragged frocks; but Elizabeth was quite unconscious of

-attracting attention.</p>

-

-<p>Her mind was absorbed with a new question which had presented itself.

-She had never heard of a party where the guests were not given some kind

-of refreshment, and she knew of no way in which she could provide it for

-the present occasion.</p>

-

-<p>It would not do to ask the servants for something to eat, neither would

-it be proper to stop and buy what was necessary at the cake-shop while

-her guests were with her. She must consult with Valentine.</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 416px;">

-<img src="images/ill_007.jpg" width="416" height="500" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">THE ARRIVAL OF EVA LOUISE AND BELLA.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>Her fellow-conspirator was watching for them, and opened the door at

-once.</p>

-

-<p>"Everything is all right," he whispered to Elizabeth. "The cook is busy

-making cake, and the other girls are all chattering, and James has gone

-round to the stable to see the men there. There won't be anybody around

-to see us. We'll take them right up."</p>

-

-<p>"But wait a minute, Val," returned Elizabeth; "I want to ask you

-something. And first I must introduce you. That is the way I have heard

-Aunt Caroline do sometimes. This is my brother, Mr. Valentine Herrick,

-Miss Eva Louise and Miss Bella Brady. Now you know each other and can

-talk. If I had not introduced you, you know, you would not have been

-able to talk at all."</p>

-

-<p>Apparently the introduction did not have the desired effect of promoting

-conversation, for Bella put her finger in her mouth, and Eva Louise

-turned her back upon the company, while Val himself with difficulty

-repressed a laugh.</p>

-

-<p>"Will you please walk into the drawing-room and sit down a minute?" said

-their hostess. "I must speak to my brother, if you will please excuse

-me."</p>

-

-<p>The guests obeyed, and were presently seated upon two of

-great-grandfather Herrick's chairs with the high carved backs, while

-Julius Cćsar from the window-seat stared in astonishment.</p>

-

-<p>"We must give them something to eat, Val," whispered Elizabeth, in the

-hall. "How shall we get it?"</p>

-

-<p>"I will go buy it," returned Val, promptly. "Let's see; have you got any

-money?"</p>

-

-<p>"Yes; I have seventy-five cents, and if that isn't enough, I have some

-more in my little bank."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, that is enough, with what I've got. You will have to stay in the

-parlor till I get back, so as to let me in," and seizing his cap, he was

-off.</p>

-

-<p>Elizabeth rejoined her visitors in the drawing-room and tried to make a

-conversation. Somehow, to talk to the Brady girls had never before been

-so difficult. In the alley there was always so much to say. Now they sat

-stiffly and straight upon their chairs, and their faces looked

-preternaturally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1119" id="Page_1119">[Pg 1119]</a></span> solemn. There was silence in the room for a few

-minutes, and Julius came and rubbed himself against Elizabeth's feet.

-This suggested a topic.</p>

-

-<p>"Do you like cats?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p>"Yes," said Bella.</p>

-

-<p>"Nope," said Eva Louise, simultaneously.</p>

-

-<p>There was another pause.</p>

-

-<p>"It is a very nice day to-day."</p>

-

-<p>"Yes," they both replied.</p>

-

-<p>Elizabeth thought deeply for several minutes. What could she say next?</p>

-

-<p>"Are you at all halt?" she asked, presently.</p>

-

-<p>The Misses Brady merely stared.</p>

-

-<p>"Are you at all halt?" she repeated.</p>

-

-<p>"Yes, I guess so," answered Bella, who, though doubtful, thought it

-polite to agree.</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, that is a good thing," said Elizabeth, in a relieved tone. "I did

-not exactly know, you know, so I thought I had better ask. I am very

-glad you are halt. That makes it all right. And there is my brother come

-back. I will go and let him in, and then we will go up to the party."</p>

-

-<p>Valentine returned laden with oddly shaped packages, and the four

-ascended the stairs together.</p>

-

-<p>"It's a dandy old feast I've got," whispered the boy; "all the things

-that look so good, but you never have at home. We shall need some

-plates, though. I'll put these bundles down at the door, and while you

-are getting the keys I'll run down to the dining-room for the plates."</p>

-

-<p>He came back in a short time with a pile of Miss Herrick's best china,

-the plates which were used for the salad course when she gave a dinner;

-and Elizabeth having procured the keys, they entered the room. The

-guests were still under the spell of silence. Being invited to remove

-their hats, they did so and laid them on the bed. Then they gazed at the

-floor.</p>

-

-<p>"What shall we do?" said Elizabeth to Val, in an under-tone. She had

-never before realized what hard work it was to give a party.</p>

-

-<p>"Let's begin on the grub," suggested her brother, whose appetite was

-sharpened by the thought of the cake-shop dainties which could never be

-enjoyed at home.</p>

-

-<p>This seemed to be the best thing to do under existing circumstances, and

-Elizabeth removed the few articles which were on the table, and Val

-lifted it over to the centre of the room. A towel was spread over it for

-a table-cloth, the plates were set thereon, and then Val opened his

-packages and proudly placed the contents upon the plates.</p>

-

-<p>There was a half pie, presumably custard, four large cocoanut balls,

-four sour-balls, four huge doughnuts, four buns (generously speckled

-with currants), and, crowning delicacy, a paper box of vanilla

-ice-cream.</p>

-

-<p>Valentine made another raid upon the dining-room, and returned with

-forks, knives, and spoons, announcing that he had barely escaped meeting

-James, who was on his way up the back stairs just as Val left the

-pantry.</p>

-

-<p>The guests were then invited to draw up their chairs, which they did

-with an alacrity that was most encouraging.</p>

-

-<p>"I wonder if 'halt' means hungry?" thought Elizabeth. "I shouldn't

-wonder if it did."</p>

-

-<p>She politely ignored the fact that both visitors scorned the assistance

-of forks in eating the pie, and devoted herself to removing currants

-from a bun. Somehow it did not seem an appetizing feast to her, but

-Valentine and the Brady girls were enjoying it, and that was all that

-was necessary.</p>

-

-<p>At last the repast was over, the final course, consisting of a

-sour-ball, which so protruded the cheek of each member of the party that

-speech was for a time impossible, and then Elizabeth wondered what they

-should do next.</p>

-

-<p>"Suppose we play a game," suggested Val, as soon as he could speak.</p>

-

-<p>"So we will," agreed Elizabeth. "What shall it be? Eva Louise, do you

-know any nice games?"</p>

-

-<p>"Nope."</p>

-

-<p>"Do you, Bella?"</p>

-

-<p>"Jack-stones."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh yes, jack-stones. Well, we haven't got any."</p>

-

-<p>"Yes, we have, too. I brung 'em."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, did you?"</p>

-

-<p>Apparently there was no help for it. Elizabeth despised jack-stones,

-which hurt her knuckles, and which she never could catch; but one must

-be polite in one's own house.</p>

-

-<p>"I say, you are funny ones!" said Val, who had thoroughly enjoyed his

-luncheon, and had now time to grasp the situation. Elizabeth's company

-manners amused him extremely, and the whole thing was "no end of a

-lark," as he expressed it.</p>

-

-<p>"Why don't you play something you don't play at home?" he asked. "Let's

-try 'Fish, flesh, or fowl,' or 'When I was in Spain,' or some other nice

-game?"</p>

-

-<p>Bella said nothing, but Eva Louise at last found her voice.</p>

-

-<p>"Ef we don't play jack-stones, we ain't agoin' to play nuthin'. We're

-agoin' home."</p>

-

-<p>Bella here nudged her sister's elbow.</p>

-

-<p>"We ain't agoin' home till we get our presents. Yer know what ma said."</p>

-

-<p>This aside was so plainly audible to the host and hostess, that

-Elizabeth looked shocked, but Val roared with laughter.</p>

-

-<p>"Very well," said Elizabeth; "we will play jack-stones."</p>

-

-<p>But at the first throw Val, in the exuberance of his feelings, tossed

-them so high that one landed on the table, right in the centre of one of

-Miss Herrick's delicate china plates, breaking it squarely in two.</p>

-

-<p>"My eye!" exclaimed the boy. "What have I done?"</p>

-

-<p>"Jack-stones are a hateful game, anyhow," cried Elizabeth, whose dismay

-caused her to forget her manners. "I don't know what Aunt Caroline will

-say. It is all your fault, Eva Louise, that Val broke the plate, for you

-made us play jack-stones."</p>

-

-<p>"'Tain't, neither," returned Eva Louise, with asperity. "No one didn't

-tell him to throw the jack up there. An' ef this is what yer call a

-party, I don't think much of it. We hev as good pie as that at home, an'

-we can get ice-cream o' the ice-cream man any day he comes round. I say,

-Bella, let us go home."</p>

-

-<p>But Bella still held back. Elizabeth looked at them for a moment in

-silent wrath, and then her feelings found words.</p>

-

-<p>"Well, I should be very glad indeed if you did go home. I think you are

-very rude girls. And I never knew you had ice-cream whenever you wanted

-it, and all those nice things."</p>

-

-<p>"No more we do," interposed Bella; "leastways, I never seen it. Eva

-Louise was makin' that up, I guess."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, was she? Then she tells stories, does she? I don't want to have

-anything more to do with you. You are very, <i>very</i> rude girls, and I am

-sorry I invited you to the party. I only asked you because you were

-halt."</p>

-

-<p>"I dun'no' what yer talkin' about," replied Eva Louise, as she put on

-her hat; "only I guess yer'd better not name me no names, or I'll hev

-yer 'rested. Halt! I ain't no halt;" and with her head held high as she

-proudly sniffed the air, she walked from the room. Bella still lingered.</p>

-

-<p>"Don't yer give no presents at yer party?" she asked.</p>

-

-<p>Elizabeth had already begun to repent of her hasty speech. She feared

-that she had been rude, and she felt that she must make amends.</p>

-

-<p>"Wait a minute," she said, flying up the short flight of stairs which

-led to her own room.</p>

-

-<p>Eva Louise delayed her departure, and Bella looked more hopeful.

-Valentine hovered in the background, wondering what was going to happen

-next.</p>

-

-<p>Presently Elizabeth returned. In one hand she held a silver calendar

-which had ornamented her desk, in the other a handsomely bound book.</p>

-

-<p>"These are all I can find," she said, bestowing one upon either guest.

-"You see, I have to give you things that are really my own, and not Aunt

-Caroline's or Aunt Rebecca's. Val, we will go down with them to the

-front door."</p>

-

-<p>The little procession in silence descended the two long double flights

-of stairs. The front door was opened for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1120" id="Page_1120">[Pg 1120]</a></span> them, and the two visitors

-were about to depart, one carrying the silver calendar, which flashed

-gayly in a ray of sunlight, the other holding the large red-covered

-book.</p>

-

-<p>"Good-by!" they said, cheerfully, feeling mollified by the presents.</p>

-

-<p>"Good-by," returned Val and Elizabeth.</p>

-

-<p>And even as they spoke a carriage drew up at the door, and from it

-stepped Miss Herrick. She paused in astonishment, and looked at the two

-strange figures emerging from her own front door, and at the two

-frightened faces in the hall beyond.</p>

-

-<p>"What does this mean?" she asked, as she swept by them into the house

-and the door was closed.</p>

-

-<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2><a name="THE_AMERICAN_NIGHTS_ENTERTAINMENTS" id="THE_AMERICAN_NIGHTS_ENTERTAINMENTS">THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.</a></h2>

-

-<h3>THE AMUSEMENT CLUB.</h3>

-

-<h3>BY EMMA J. GRAY.</h3>

-

-<p>The sun was setting one afternoon in late September. The deep blue sky

-was dappled with rosy golden and white clouds, but a glance at the

-brown-stone houses opposite revealed the unhappy thought that we were

-once again in our old town-house. I tried to imagine I was mistaken;

-that the lapse of summer-time had never been; that, indeed, all the

-happy vacation had not drifted by; that the moss-grown bridges,

-low-hanging branches, and piny woods were yet to come; that I must be

-asleep and having a horrible nightmare.</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_008.jpg" width="400" height="320" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p>But, "Amy! Amy! Where are you?" woke up my foolish reverie, and "Will

-and I have been hunting all over for you!" were the half-annoyed words

-which followed, as my friend Irene Sloane and her brother stood before

-me in our second-floor front room.</p>

-

-<p>Irene was my most intimate friend; it was rare when a day passed without

-her being in my house or I in hers. Therefore the absence of ceremony in

-the hunt she had just made. Her brother, too, I had known always, and

-now that they had rushed in&mdash;for rushed is the only way to describe

-their entrance, so excited and all of a flutter they seemed&mdash;I forgot

-all about my foolish dreaming, and exclaimed, "Do sit down both of you,

-and tell what's up!"</p>

-

-<p>But Irene was too excited to sit down; she had come to tell a "splendid

-plan. And don't you think so, Will?" and it was "Mamma's idea," and much

-more of a similar purport, until Will, who had taken a chair, hastily

-rose, and with a most sober face and energetic manner, exclaimed:</p>

-

-<p>"Irene, what's the use of beating about the bush any longer? Tell Amy

-all about it, and then she'll have a chance to have her say too."</p>

-

-<p>"Well, the plan is to form an Amusement Club. It will seem awfully

-stupid to be at home after all our fun last summer. Don't you think so?"</p>

-

-<p>"Certainly I do, for I was thinking just before you came that we'd

-gotten back to hardtack sure enough; there seems nothing to look forward

-to but books and study."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, hardtack fiddlestick! I'm ashamed of you both," interjected Will;

-"though I'm willing to admit," the boy continued, with a deep sigh, "it

-does come awfully hard to study after such a long loaf. But this

-Amusement Club will fix us up fine; it will give no end of jolly times,

-for, only think, we'll all meet once a week, or once a fortnight, and

-that will be amusement enough for one evening."</p>

-

-<p>"Do explain it, Will. I can't make any sense out of what you are trying

-to tell me."</p>

-

-<p>"Mamma will explain, for she said she would take charge of the first

-meeting."</p>

-

-<p>"Yes," interrupted Irene, and then excitedly tossing her two long braids

-back, "the first meeting is to be at our house next Saturday afternoon

-at three o'clock. What do you think of that for a starter?"</p>

-

-<p>"All right; only where do I come in? You haven't asked me yet?"</p>

-

-<p>"Aren't you ashamed to talk so, Amy De Nyse, when you know that not only

-are you expected to come, but to help Will and me invite all the other

-girls and boys?"</p>

-

-<p>"Which way could we invite them the easiest? And do you think you'd tell

-what they were invited for, or surprise them?"</p>

-

-<p>"I say, surprise them. Don't you, Will?" And Irene looked questioningly

-toward her brother; and as he nodded his head she continued, "But I'd

-tell them it's important and a secret."</p>

-

-<p>"Good! people are sure to be on hand if there's a secret around."</p>

-

-<p>"And as to the way of inviting them," Will said, "the best way would be

-to make a list of names, and then cut them apart, each take an equal

-number&mdash;or I don't care if I take one or two extra."</p>

-

-<p>"And you know what mamma said," his sister replied; "not to invite too

-many for the first meeting."</p>

-

-<p>"Now what do you think of the prospect, Amy?"</p>

-

-<p>"Capital! I've heard so much about clubs, that I've been wanting to join

-one for a long time."</p>

-

-<p>"And I too," exclaimed Irene.</p>

-

-<p>"An athletic club, you refer to, I suppose, running-matches, etc.," said

-mischievous Will as he pulled his sister's long braid, for he was a

-great tease, and knew that both Amy and Irene had lost at a

-running-match during the summer, and indeed they were anything else but

-athletes, taking far too kindly to hammocks, and lounging around

-generally.</p>

-

-<p>And after a little more merry conversation, in which "vacation" and

-"club" were prominent words, the brother and sister took their

-departure.</p>

-

-<p>Thus it was that the following Saturday afternoon found twenty jolly

-girls and boys seated in Irene Sloane's library. And what a chattering!

-Magpies were silent by contrast. Indeed, it was more like a riot than a

-meeting until Mrs. Sloane entered, when, presto! what a change! Not that

-she was feared, however, for, on the contrary, she was greatly beloved

-by all of her children's friends. It was only that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1121" id="Page_1121">[Pg 1121]</a></span> the children were

-half awed, being so full of expectation, anticipating they knew not

-what, and also because the sudden presence of an older person always

-does result in changing the atmosphere of a room.</p>

-

-<p>A few moments after the cordial greetings were extended Mrs. Sloane

-explained the purpose of their meeting.</p>

-

-<p>For example, several of them had returned from vacation with scores of

-new ideas on the subject of entertaining; many new games and amusements

-had been learned. Now why not help others by teaching these. That each

-member, in fact, must pledge himself or herself to advance the cause of

-amusement by teaching a new game, charade, or something pertaining to

-entertainment once a month. And with that point in view, everybody must

-keep wide awake, and on the constant lookout. Also establish a habit of

-getting up novel entertainment and inventing games. Remember, somebody

-originated every game known.</p>

-

-<p>By being members of this club, each person would also receive help as to

-the management of business meetings, for, in the main, every business

-meeting was conducted in a similar manner, and as many middle-aged

-people did not understand even the ordinary duties of chairman, they

-could not do better than learn when young.</p>

-

-<p>One of the boys interrupted by inquiring if they might come to her for

-advice if they were in a quandary.</p>

-

-<p>"Certainly; any time," was the assured answer; "but I know I can trust

-everybody here to help one another;" and Mrs. Sloane looked thoughtfully

-around. "Indeed, I am confident you will all take so much pleasure out

-of this organization that you will wonder you had not started an

-amusement club before. You will be too proud to have failure;" and then,

-with a cordial smile, added, "you have too good comradeship to have

-discord."</p>

-

-<p>"Before we proceed to the election of officers, I wish to say I will

-stay in the chair this afternoon until about the time to adjourn, when

-your president will assume his position, and hereafter he will always be

-in charge of each meeting, unless necessarily absent, in which event the

-vice-president will act in his stead." Then, with a pleasant look around

-on all the upturned faces, Mrs. Sloane said, "We are now ready for the

-nominations for president."</p>

-

-<p>Several names were promptly mentioned, and as none of the nominees

-declined, they were voted upon by ballot. Mrs. Sloane named three boys

-to distribute and afterwards count the ballots.</p>

-

-<p>The ballot papers were very small, about three inches one way and two

-the other, and as they had been prepared beforehand, there was no

-hinderance. Therefore it was but the work of a few minutes to distribute

-a paper to each person, on which every one immediately wrote the name

-preferred. The ballots were then collected and counted; each nominee

-received some votes, but the largest number being for Will Sloane, he

-was announced as president. Whereupon one of the club immediately rose

-and said, "I move the vote to be made unanimous." This being seconded,

-Will Sloane's name was called amidst cheers, claps, and huzzahs, for the

-excitement was now too great for the children to keep altogether quiet.</p>

-

-<p>After this there followed the elections of vice-president, secretary,

-and treasurer, all being elected in a similar manner.</p>

-

-<p>There was also a board of directors added, consisting of eight people

-and the president. This board Mrs. Sloane selected, and of the eight

-named five were girls; the duty of the board being to talk over various

-questions affecting club work; for example, how money could be expended,

-whether entertainment would be given for charity&mdash;indeed, all matters of

-import. After such discussions by the board, the matter would be

-presented by one of its members at the first regular club meeting, and

-there acted upon.</p>

-

-<p>It was decided to hold the meetings every second Saturday evening at

-seven o'clock, and that no meeting could extend beyond one hour and a

-half; that the chairman would open the meetings promptly, and that

-twelve people would constitute a quorum. And any matter by them decided

-must be acceded to by the entire club.</p>

-

-<p>That the fee would be ten cents a week, paid regularly. That they should

-have more members; but Mrs. Sloane advised the number should be limited

-to thirty, as too great a number would be difficult to control.</p>

-

-<p>The duty of the treasurer would be to receive and keep a correct account

-of the reception and disbursement of money, and that he should give a

-report of the same at the first meeting of each month.</p>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 336px;">

-<img src="images/ill_009.jpg" width="336" height="500" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p>The secretary should enroll the names and residences of the officers and

-members; he should write the minutes of each meeting, and read them at

-the following one.</p>

-

-<p>The order of conducting the meeting would be:</p>

-

-<p>Calling to Order; Secretary's Report; Treasurer's Report; Unfinished

-Business; New Business; Adjournment.</p>

-

-<p>As Mrs. Sloane now thought that the children were taxed enough for one

-day, and that they would enjoy an after-talk by themselves, she thanked

-the club for their courtesy, and with a most gracious smile towards her

-son, added, "I now have the pleasure of conducting you to the chair."</p>

-

-<p>This said, she stepped one side. He pleasantly bowed, and took the place

-made vacant by his mother.</p>

-

-<p>No sooner had she retired than Mrs. Sloane laughingly said, "I move we

-adjourn."</p>

-

-<p>When at once Amy De Nyse, who had been unusually quiet, jumped to her

-feet. "Before that motion is seconded, I move a vote of thanks to Mrs.

-Sloane," and she was about to add, "for her patience and goodness to us

-this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1122" id="Page_1122">[Pg 1122]</a></span> afternoon," but her voice was drowned in the hearty ringing voices

-of the happy children who had now informally gathered about their

-leader, and each one thanked her warmly and heartily over and yet over

-again. And then were heard such expressions as, "You'll have to come to

-all of our entertainments," "Won't we have jolly fun practising the

-different charades, tableaux, and games?" and "When we get money enough,

-perhaps we can have a regular club-room, with a platform, curtain, and

-scenery."</p>

-

-<p>And that thought proved the inspiration for another and yet another,

-until one of the boys reached a grand climax by waving a handkerchief

-over his head and shouting: "I have a scheme. Let us get up specialties,

-and make a charge to show them. Why, this club may make us all rich

-yet!"</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<p>Out on Long Island there is to-day an exceedingly angry farmer. He can

-usually be found nursing his wrath on the top of a rail-fence near his

-barn an hour before sunset. His big jack-knife digs deeply into the

-piece of wood it is whittling as the farmer emphasizes his wrath.</p>

-

-<p>"Talk about the benefit newspapers are to the country&mdash;bah!" he

-exclaims. "The other night I had all my chickens stole 'cept two, and

-that old town paper recorded it in big type, and let the whole country

-know about it in less than no time. What do you suppose the result was,

-eh? Why, the thieves that took them chicks thought they got them all,

-and when they read in the paper that two was left behind, what did they

-do but come around the very next night when I never expected them, and

-they took the other two. I don't see much use for newspapers that tells

-everything a thief wants to know."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2><a name="THE_GREAT_SEAL_OF_ENGLAND" id="THE_GREAT_SEAL_OF_ENGLAND">THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND.</a></h2>

-

-<p>Many people doubtless know that upon the accession of a new monarch to

-the throne of England a new Seal is struck, and the old one is cut into

-four pieces and deposited in the Tower of London. In former times the

-fragments of these great Seals were distributed among certain poor

-people of religious houses. When her Majesty Queen Victoria ascended the

-throne of England, the late Benjamin Wyon, R.A., the chief engraver of

-her Majesty's Mint, designed the beautiful work of the present Great

-Seal of England. The details of the design are: obverse, an equestrian

-figure of the Queen attended by a page, her Majesty wearing over a habit

-a flowing and sumptuous robe, and a collar of the Order of the Garter.

-In her right hand she bears the sceptre, and on her head is placed a

-regal tiara. The attendant page, with his bonnet in his hand, looks up

-to the Queen, who is gracefully restraining the impatient charger, which

-is richly decorated with plumes and trappings. The legend "Victoria Dei

-Gratia Britainniarum Regina, Fidei Defensor," is engraved in Gothic

-letters, the spaces between the words being filled with heraldic roses.

-The reverse side of the Seal shows the Queen, royally robed and crowned,

-holding in her right hand the sceptre, and in her left the orb, seated

-upon a throne beneath a niched Gothic canopy; on each side is a figure

-of Justice and Religion; and in the exergue the royal arms and crown,

-the whole encircled by a wreath or border of oak and roses.</p>

-

-<p>The Seal itself is a silver mould in two parts, technically called a

-pair of dies. When an impression is to be taken or cast, the parts are

-closed to receive the melted wax, which is poured through an opening at

-the top of the Seal. As each impression is attached to a document by a

-ribbon or slip of parchment, its ends are put into the Seal before the

-wax is poured in, so that when the hard impression is taken from the

-dies the ribbon or parchment is neatly affixed to it. The impression of

-the Seal is six inches in diameter and three-fourths of an inch in

-thickness. The Great Seals of England are interesting from their bearing

-portraits of the sovereigns, as in the Seals of Offa and Ethelwolf, and

-that of Edgar with a bust in profile. After William I. all the Kings are

-on one side on horseback, the face turned to the right, except that of

-Charles I., which is turned to the left. Edward IV. first carries the

-close crown; Edward the Confessor and Henry I. and Henry II. are seated

-with the sword and dove. Wax was not uniformly used for Seals, as

-impressions occur in gold, silver, and lead, also in various other

-substances. The colors have varied, but red appears to have been the

-most ancient.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2><a name="THE_VOYAGE_OF_THE_RATTLETRAP" id="THE_VOYAGE_OF_THE_RATTLETRAP">THE VOYAGE OF THE "RATTLETRAP."</a></h2>

-

-<h3>BY HAYDEN CARRUTH.</h3>

-

-<h3>VI.</h3>

-

-<p>Besides the cactus, another form of vegetation which began to attract

-more and more of Ollie's attention was the red tumbleweed. Indeed, Jack

-and I found ourselves interested in it also. The ordinary tumbleweed,

-green when growing, and gray when tumbling, had long been familiar to

-us, but the red variety was new. The old kind which we knew seldom grew

-more than two feet in diameter; it was usually almost exactly round, and

-with its finely branched limbs, was almost as solid as a big sponge, and

-when its short stem broke off at the top of the ground in the fall it

-would go bounding away across the prairie for miles. The red sort seemed

-to be much the same, except for its color and size. We saw many six or

-seven feet, perhaps more, in diameter, though they were rather flat, and

-not probably over three or four feet high.</p>

-

-<p>The first one we saw was on edge, and going at a great rate across the

-prairie, bounding high into the air, and acting as if it had quite gone

-crazy, as there was a strong wind blowing.</p>

-

-<p>"Look at that overgrown red tumbleweed!" exclaimed Jack. "I never saw

-anything like <i>that</i> before. Jump on the pony, Ollie, and catch the

-varmint and bring it back here!"</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 378px;">

-<img src="images/ill_010.jpg" width="378" height="400" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">OLLIE AND THE TUMBLEWEED.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>Ollie was willing enough to do this, and the pony was willing enough to

-go, so off they went. I think if the weed had had a fair field that

-Ollie would never have overtaken it, but it got caught in the long grass

-occasionally, and he soon came up to it. But the pony was not used to

-tumbleweed-coursing, and shied off with a startled snort. Ollie brought

-her about and made another attempt. But again the frightened pony ran

-around it. Half a dozen times this was repeated. At last she happened to

-dash around it on the wrong side just as it bounded into the air before

-the wind. It struck both horse and rider like a big dry-land wave, and

-Ollie seized it. If the poor pony had been frightened before, she was

-now terror-stricken, and gave a jump like a tiger, and shot away faster

-than we had ever seen her run before. Ollie had lost control of her, and

-could only cling to the saddle with one hand and hold to the big

-blundering weed with the other. Fortunately the pony ran toward the

-wagon. As they came up we could see little but tumbleweed and pony legs,

-and it looked like nothing so much as a hay-stack running away on its

-own legs. When the pony came up to the wagon, she stopped so suddenly

-that Ollie went over her head. But he still clung to the weed, and

-struck the ground inside of it. He jumped up, still in the weed, so that

-it now looked like a hay-stack on two legs. We pulled him out of it, and

-found him none the worse for his adventure. But he was a little

-frightened, and said:</p>

-

-<p>"I don't think I'll chase those things again, Uncle Jack&mdash;not with that

-pony."</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, that's all right, Ollie," said Jack. "I'm going to organize the

-Nebraska Cross-Country Tumbleweed Club, and you'll want to come to the

-meets. We'll give the weed one minute start, and the first man that

-catches it will get a prize of&mdash;of a watermelon, for instance."</p>

-

-<p>"Well, I think I'll take another horse before I try it," returned Ollie.</p>

-

-<p>"Might try Old Browny," I said. "If he ever came up to a tumbleweed he

-would lie right down on it and go to sleep."</p>

-

-<p>"Yes, and Blacky would hold it with one foot and eat it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1123" id="Page_1123">[Pg 1123]</a></span> up," said Jack.

-"Unless he took a notion to turn around and kick it out of existence."</p>

-

-<p>We looked the queer plant over carefully, and found it so closely

-branched that it was impossible to see into it more than a few inches.

-The branches were tough and elastic, and when it was tossed up it would

-rebound from the ground several inches. But it was as light as a thistle

-ball, and when we turned it loose it rolled away across the prairie

-again as if nothing had happened.</p>

-

-<p>"They're bad things sometimes when there is a prairie fire," said Jack.

-"No matter how wide the fire-break may be, a blazing tumbleweed will

-often roll across it, and set fire to the grass beyond. They've been

-known to leap over streams of considerable width, too, or fall in the

-water and float across, still blazing. Two years ago the town of

-Frontenac was burned up by a tumbleweed, though the citizens had made an

-approved fire-break by ploughing two circles of furrows around their

-village and burning off the grass between them. These big red ones must

-be worse than the others. I believe," he went on, "that tumbleweeds

-might be used to carry messages, like carrier-pigeons. The next one we

-come across we'll try it."</p>

-

-<p>That afternoon we caught a fine specimen, and Jack securely fastened

-this message to it and turned it adrift:</p>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p>"Schooner Rattletrap, September &mdash;, 188-: Latitude, 42.50;

-Longitude, 99.35. To Whom it may Concern: From Prairie Flower,

-bound for Deadwood. All well except Old Blacky, who has an

-appetite."</p></blockquote>

-

-<p>The night after our stop by the unfinished house we again camped on the

-open prairie, a quarter of a mile from a settler's house, where we got

-water for the horses. This house was really a "dugout," being more of a

-cellar than a house. It was built in the side of a little bank, the back

-of the sod roof level with the ground, and the front but two or three

-feet above it.</p>

-

-<p>"I'd be afraid, if I were living in it, that a heavy rain in the night

-might fill it up, and float the bed-stead, and bump my nose on the

-ceiling," said Jack.</p>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 379px;">

-<img src="images/ill_011.jpg" width="379" height="400" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">"CARRYING EVERYTHING THAT WAS LOOSE BEFORE IT."</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>It had been a warm afternoon, but when we went to bed it was cooler,

-though there was no wind stirring. The smoke of our camp-fire went

-straight up. There was no moon, but the sky was clear, and we remarked

-that we had not seen the stars look so bright any night before. The

-front of our wagon stood toward the northwest. We went to bed, but at

-two o'clock we were awakened by a most violent shaking of the cover. The

-wind was blowing a gale, and the whole top seemed about to be going by

-the board. We scrambled up, and I heard Jack's voice calling for me to

-come out. The cover bows were bent far over, and the canvas pressed in

-on the side to the southwest till it seemed as if it must burst. The

-front end of the top had gone out and was cracking in the wind. I crept

-forward, and as I did so I felt the wagon rise up on the windward side

-and bump back on the ground. I concluded we were doomed to a wreck, and

-called to Ollie to get out as fast as he could. I supposed a hard storm

-had struck us, but as I went over the dashboard I was astonished to see

-the stars shining as brightly as ever in the deep, dark sky. Jack was

-clinging to the rear wagon wheel on the windward side, which was all

-that had saved it from capsizing. He called to me to take hold of the

-tongue and steer the craft around with the stern to the gale. I did so,

-while he turned on the wheel. As it came around, the loose sides of the

-cover began to flutter and crack, while the puckering-string gave way,

-and the wind swept through the wagon, carrying everything that was loose

-before it, including Ollie, who was just getting over the dashboard. He

-was not hurt, but just then we heard a most pitiful yelping, as Jack's

-blankets and pillow went rolling away from where the wagon had stood. It

-was Snoozer going with them. The yelping disappeared in the darkness,

-and we heard frying-pans, tin plates, and other camp articles clattering

-away with the rest. The Rattletrap itself had tried to run before the

-gale, but I had put on the brake and stopped it. The three of us then

-crouched in front of it, and waited for the wind to blow itself out. We

-could see or hear nothing of the horses. There was not a cloud in sight,

-and the stars still shone down calmly and unruffled, while the wind cut

-and hissed through the long prairie grass all about us. It kept up for

-about ten minutes, when it began to stop as suddenly as it had begun. In

-twenty minutes there was nothing but a cool, gentle breeze coming out of

-the southwest. We lit the lantern and tried to gather up our things, but

-soon realized that we could not do much that night. We found the

-unfortunate Snoozer crouched in a little depression which was perhaps an

-old buffalo wallow, but could see nothing of the horses. We concluded to

-go to bed and wait for morning.</p>

-

-<p>When it came we found our things scattered for over a quarter of a mile.

-We recovered everything, though the wagon-seat was broken. The horses

-had come back, so we could not tell how far they had gone before the

-wind.</p>

-

-<p>"I've read about those night winds on the plains," said Jack, "and we'll

-look out for 'em in the future. We'll put an anchor on Snoozer at

-least."</p>

-

-<p>This intelligent animal had not forgotten his night's experience, and

-stuck closely in the wagon, where he even insisted on taking his

-breakfast.</p>

-

-<p>The road we were following was gradually drawing closer to the Niobrara,

-and we began to see scattering pine-trees, stunted and broken, along the

-heads of the cańons or ravines leading down to the river. There was less

-sand, and we made better progress. The country was but little settled,

-and game was more plentiful. We got two or three grouse. We went into

-camp at night at the head of what appeared to be a large cańon, under a

-tempest-tossed old pine-tree, through which the wind constantly sighed.

-There was no water, but we counted on getting it down the cańon. A man

-went by on horseback, driving some cattle, who told us that we would

-find a spring down about half a mile.</p>

-

-<p>"Can we get any hay down there?" I asked him. "We're out of feed for the

-horses, and the grass seems pretty poor here."</p>

-

-<p>"Down a mile beyond the spring I have a dozen stacks," answered the man,

-"and you're welcome to all you can bring up on your pony. Just go down

-and help yourselves."</p>

-

-<p>We thanked him and he went on. As soon as we could we started down. It

-was beginning to get dark, and grew darker rapidly as we went down the

-ravine, as its sides were high and the trees soon became numerous. There

-was no road, nothing but a mere cattle-path, steep and stony in many

-places. We found the spring and watered all the horses, left Blacky and

-Browny, and went on after the hay with the pony, Jack leading her, and

-Ollie and I walking ahead with the lantern. It seemed a long way as we

-stumbled along in the darkness, all the time down hill.</p>

-

-<p>"I guess that man wasn't so liberal as he seemed," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1124" id="Page_1124">[Pg 1124]</a></span> Jack. "The pony

-will be able to carry just about enough hay up here to make Snoozer a

-bed."</p>

-

-<p>We plunged on, till at last the path became a little nearer level. It

-crossed a small open tract and then wound among bushes and low trees.

-Suddenly we saw something gleam in the light of the lantern, and stopped

-right on the river's bank. The water looked deep and dark, though not

-very wide. The current was swift and eddying.</p>

-

-<p>"We've passed the hay," I said. "It must be on that open flat we

-crossed."</p>

-

-<p>We went back, and turning to the right, soon found it. I set the lantern

-down and began to pull hay from one of the stacks, when the pony made a

-sudden movement, struck the lantern with her foot, and smashed the globe

-to bits.</p>

-

-<p>"There," exclaimed Jack, "we'll have a fine time going up that

-badger-hole of a cańon in the dark!"</p>

-

-<p>But there was nothing else to do, and we made up two big bundles of hay,

-and tied them to the pony's back.</p>

-

-<p>"She'll think it's tumbleweeds," said Ollie.</p>

-

-<p>"If she'd headed in the right direction I hope she will," answered Jack.</p>

-

-<p>We started up, but it was a long and toilsome climb. In many places Jack

-and I had to get down on our hands and knees and feel out the path. The

-worst place was a scramble up a bank twenty feet high, and covered with

-loose stones. I was ahead. The heroic little pony with her unwieldy load

-sniffed at the prospect a little, and then started bravely up, "hanging

-on by her toe-nails," as Ollie said. When she was almost to the top she

-stepped on a loose stone, lost her footing, went over, and rolled away

-into the darkness and underbrush. Jack stumbled over a little of the hay

-which had come off in the path, hastily rolled up a torch, and lit it

-with a match. By this light we found the pony on her back, like a

-tumble-bug, with her load for a cushion and her feet in the air, and

-kicking wildly in every direction. While Ollie held the torch, Jack and

-I went to her rescue, and after a vast deal of pulling and lifting, got

-her to her feet just as the hay torch died out. Again she scrambled up

-the bank, and this time with success. We went on, found the other

-horses, and were soon at the wagon. We voted the pony all the hay she

-wanted, and went to bed tired.</p>

-

-<p>The next day, the ninth out from Yankton, though it was a long run,

-brought us to Valentine, the first town on the railroad which we had

-seen since leaving the former place. Before we reached it we went

-several miles along the upper ends of the cańons, down a long hill so

-steep that we had to chain both hind wheels, forded the Niobrara twice,

-followed the river several miles, went out across the military

-reservation, which was like a desert, saw six or eight hundred negro

-soldiers at Fort Niobrara, and finally drove through Valentine, and went

-into camp a mile west of town. On the way we saw thousands of the

-biggest and reddest tumbleweeds, and two or three new sorts of cactus.

-The colored troops surprised Ollie, as he had never seen any before.</p>

-

-<p>"It's the western winds and the hot sun that's tanned those soldiers,"

-said Jack. "We'll look just that way, too, before we get back."</p>

-

-<p>Ollie was half inclined to believe this astonishing statement at first,

-but concluded that his uncle was joking.</p>

-

-<p>We went into camp on the banks of the Minichaduza River, a little brook

-which flows into the Niobrara from the northwest. It gurgled and bubbled

-all night almost under our wheels. A man stopped to chat with us as we

-sat around our camp-fire after supper. We told him of our experience in

-getting the hay the night before. He laughed and said:</p>

-

-<p>"Ever steal any of your horse feed?"</p>

-

-<p>"We haven't yet," answered Jack. "We try to be reasonably honest."</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_012.jpg" width="400" height="348" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">THE YOUNG FELLOW WILTED RIGHT DOWN ON THE GROUND.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>"Some don't, though," replied the man. "Most of 'em that are going West

-in a covered wagon seem to think corn in the field is public property. A

-fellow camped right here one afternoon last fall. He was out of feed,

-and took a grain sack on one arm and a big Winchester rifle on the

-other, and went over to old Brown's corn-field. He took the gun along

-not to shoot anybody, but to sort of intimidate Brown if he should catch

-him. Suddenly he saw an old fellow coming toward him carrying a gun

-about a foot longer than his own. The young fellow wilted right down on

-the ground and never moved. He happened to go down on a big prickly

-cactus, but he never stirred, cactus or no cactus. He thought Brown had

-caught him, and that he was done for. The old man kept coming nearer and

-nearer. He was almost to him. The young fellow concluded to make a brave

-fight. So he jumped up and yelled. The old man dropped his gun and ran

-like a scared wolf. Then the young fellow noticed that the other also

-had a sack in which he had been gathering corn. He called him back, they

-saw that they were both thieves, shook hands, and went ahead and robbed

-old Brown together."</p>

-

-<p>The man got up to go. "Well, good-night, boys," he said. "Rest as hard

-as you can to-morrow. You'll strike into the sand hills at about nine

-o'clock Monday morning. Take three days' feed, and every drop of water

-you can carry; and if you waste any of it washing your hands you're

-bigger fools than I think you are."</p>

-

-<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1125" id="Page_1125">[Pg 1125]</a></span></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT" id="INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT"></a>

-<img src="images/ill_013.jpg" width="600" height="118" alt="INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT" />

-</div>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p>[<i>The series of four papers on the Science of Football, by Mr. W.&nbsp;H.

-Lewis of the Harvard Football Team of 1893, begun in this

-Department last week, is continued in the present issue.</i>]</p></blockquote>

-

-<p>The subject of position-play in football may best be covered by taking

-up and discussing each individual of the team in turn. The end rusher,

-therefore, should be chosen for agility, speed, endurance, and good

-judgment. The first three qualifications are necessary to enable him to

-avoid, break up, and worm his way into, through, or around the

-interference, tackle into its very midst, or take advantage of

-occasional fumbles. His duty on the offensive, or when his own side has

-the ball, will depend upon his assignment in the particular play.

-Generally the end should stand much nearer his tackle when on the

-offensive, so as to be able to get into every play. In plays through

-tackle and end, or around the end on his own side of the line, he may

-help the tackle to block or pocket the opposing tackle. If a half-back

-comes into the line between tackle and end, the end should remember to

-take the inside man, as he is the more dangerous, because uncovered and

-nearest to the play.</p>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_014.jpg" width="400" height="91" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">FIG. 1.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>The great bulk of the end's work comes in the defensive game. He is to

-prevent the long runs or open plays. He should never run behind his own

-line, because of the danger of leaving his side of the line open to

-criss-cross or some trick play. The end's primary duty is to turn the

-runner in. He therefore should go in as quickly and on as sharp an angle

-as possible, so that he can meet the interference before it gets well

-formed and started. He should take the direction of A&nbsp;D (shown in

-Fig. 1), A&nbsp;B&nbsp;C if he must, but never A&nbsp;E. If the opposing end

-plays up in the line opposite him, the only direction possible will be A&nbsp;B&nbsp;C.</p>

-

-<p>He should meet the interference with body well forward, the arms

-extended straight and stiff, so as not to be hit by the interference,

-being careful to keep a little to the outside of it. In plays through

-the middle of the line, or pile up, the ends should keep out of the

-scrimmage, so as to be sure that the runner does not come out of the

-pile.</p>

-

-<p><i>Tackle.</i>&mdash;If there is any one position in the line harder to play than

-another, that position is tackle. The tackle must look out for territory

-on both sides of him, and be ready to help either guard or end, as the

-emergency requires. The great majority of the plays are aimed at him.

-His constant study must be how to meet each particular play in every

-style of offence. He should stand about four feet from his guard, and

-should not allow himself to be drawn out further than six feet; the

-wider his line is drawn out, the weaker it will be and the more

-territory he will have to cover. The offensive work of the tackle

-depends largely upon the play and his assignment in it. In blocking he

-should always take the man nearest the centre, as he is the nearest to

-the starting-point of the play, and therefore the most dangerous. In

-that case he should call in his guard to take his man. On plays through

-and around the other side of the line, the tackle should momentarily

-block his man, and then get into the push or interference.</p>

-

-<p>When the tackle himself takes the ball, he should be careful not to give

-his intention away. He should, without notice, shift his position and

-bring his feet pretty close together, to enable him to start quickly. He

-should take off by giving his tackle a push in his chest with the open

-hand. The end should go into the opposing tackle the moment his tackle

-takes off, so as to prevent his opponent from following. When his own

-side is going to kick, the tackle should block his man long enough to

-prevent his stopping the kick, and then get down the field so as to help

-the ends prevent a return. The tackle should go nearly straight, so as

-to protect the centre of the field, the ends taking care of the sides.</p>

-

-<p>The great bulk of the tackle's work is on the defensive. His duty is to

-tackle everything in sight. Clean, sharp breaking through is imperative

-in a tackle. The first thing a tackle should do when he steps into the

-line on the defence, is to notice his opponent's style of blocking, and

-adapt his method of breaking through accordingly.</p>

-

-<p>Plays directed on the tackle call for great judgment and great strength.

-The tackle should, if possible, shove his man back and into the play.

-His next best plan to meet it is to go down in front of it good and

-stiff and pile it up. He should go into the mass head and shoulders or

-sideways, but never upon any pretext turn his back to it. In defending

-his territory against trick plays, the best and only advice that can be

-given to a tackle is to keep the eyes open, notice the alignments of the

-opposing back's, the way they stand, their facial expression, and

-movement, and try to divine which way the ball is going. When the

-opposing side is going to kick, the tackle should spread a little so as

-to give himself a better chance of getting through.</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_015.jpg" width="400" height="393" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">FIG. 2.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p><i>Guard.</i>&mdash;The two guards and the centre make up the proverbial stone

-wall into which the opposing backs are supposed to ram their heads to no

-effect.</p>

-

-<p>A guard should stand with the foot next to centre forward if possible,

-but if a man starts quicker with that foot back, why, stand that way. He

-should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn out too far from the

-centre. If his man goes out far he should tell the quarter-back, and

-have him send a play through guard and centre, and his opponent will

-probably move in again. As long as the inner foot of the opposite guard

-is inside of the outer foot of the guard blocking, the latter ought to

-be able to take him the moment the ball starts, and run him out to the

-side lines. The guard should also keep a sharp lookout for the opposing

-quarter, and if he comes up into the line between him and centre, push

-him out with open hand.</p>

-

-<p>After having made a hole if called for, or blocked his man, the next

-duty of the guard is to get into the push or interference himself. Get

-hold of the runner; if possible, pull him along. Give him a chance to

-use you in warding off would-be tacklers. One of the first duties of a

-guard is to line up quickly. He should be right beside his centre the

-moment the ball is down. The play cannot start without some one to guard

-it. When his side is going to kick, the guard should move in close to

-the centre so that no little quarter or stray back can come through and

-stop the kick. He must block well, and almost until he hears the ball

-booted, because the path<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1126" id="Page_1126">[Pg 1126]</a></span> through the centre is the straightest line,

-and hence the shortest distance to the kicker, as will be seen in Fig.

-3, line A&nbsp;B. The exact moment when he can let his man through must

-be determined by the quickness of the man in front of him and the

-kicker, as will be seen in Fig. 3. After having blocked long enough to

-insure the kicks getting away, he should get down the field with the

-other forwards to help prevent return of the ball.</p>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_016.jpg" width="400" height="181" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">FIG. 3.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>On the defense there is an immense amount of hard work for the guard. He

-is primarily responsible for the ground between him and tackle, and

-secondarily for that between him and centre. In going through, this fact

-should be kept in mind. The fact that a guard must stand lower than

-tackle, and has less and different kind of territory to cover, will

-prevent him ordinarily from using as many methods of breaking through as

-a tackle. He must take some method of getting through that will enable

-him to use the body of his opponent to cover the territory between him

-and centre, and to enable him to get out and back up tackle, and that

-will put him through back to back with his man before the runner reaches

-the line.</p>

-

-<p><i>Centre Rush.</i>&mdash;The position of centre rush is comparatively a new one.

-Until a few years ago the middle position in the line was occupied by a

-snap-back, whose only duty was to put the ball in play. After that he

-was merely a passenger. From the snap-back the centre rush has been

-evolved by gradual enlargement of his duties. To-day he is chief of

-forwards, there being no duplicate to his position, as there is of

-tackle and guard. Every play starts from the centre rush, and depends

-upon him for a large share of its success or failure. The position is

-one requiring painstaking, conscientious hard work, admitting of very

-little glory, although the centre handles the ball more than any other

-player. On the offensive, the first duty of the centre rush is to put

-the ball in play. Much depends upon this. The team can play no faster

-than he does. If he is slow, the whole thing is slow. He must follow the

-ball closely, and the moment it is down, take it from his back and put

-it down for the next play. When the ball goes out of bounds, he must be

-the first man on the side lines, to take it in on the jump for the next

-play. The line forms on him, and to have his team line up quickly he

-must be doubly quick.</p>

-

-<p>To snap the ball back, the body should be just low enough to reach the

-ball with the snapping arm, and no lower nor higher. The distance

-between the forward and rear foot must be obtained by practice. The rear

-one, in general, should be just far enough back to give him a good

-start. The centre should straddle only enough to keep from wobbling from

-side to side. The centre should never stand flat-footed. The feet should

-be at right angles to the gridiron lines. The position is much like that

-of a sprinter on his mark, as is shown in Fig. 2.</p>

-

-<p><i>Different Methods of Snapping.</i>&mdash;First, the flat, or side, snap, or

-snap on the longer axis of the ball. Place the ball upon the ground

-about two inches from the forward foot. Turn the lacing in. Have the

-seams of the ball parallel with the gridiron lines. Take a firm grip of

-the ball. Let the fingers be well over the front of it. The ball is sent

-back to the quarter with a downward motion of the wrist and arm. Place

-the ball as far under you as possible; it shortens the distance. The

-advantage of the side snap is that the snapper can balance himself

-partly on the ball, so that he can ofttimes put the ball into play under

-very trying circumstances.</p>

-

-<p>Second, the end-over-end, or snap on the shorter axis. This snap is in

-most general use at present. It requires more skill in handling than the

-other. It has the advantage that it is quicker when well executed, and

-enables the quarter to be of considerably more aid in the interference.

-To use this style of snapping, place the ball on the end, the head out a

-little, although the exact angle must be acquired by practice. The ball

-is put into play by a delicate wrist motion back and downward.</p>

-

-<p>The defensive-work of the centre is almost illimitable. He can be of as

-much or of as little use to his side as he has a mind to. He has more

-opportunity for brilliant tackles than any other man on his side, for

-the sole reason that he is not expected to do anything, and is the

-unaccounted-for man. His own man is handicapped by having to snap the

-ball, and he has no other assignment except that man. He should remain

-in his position long enough to see whether the play is coming at him or

-not. This will, of course, be determined by his shrewdness in guessing

-the play. If the play is at him, by keeping his man away from him, he

-can get under and into either hole. If his own position is not attacked,

-he should take the hole nearest the runner. He can often go through

-between guard and centre by having his guard break to the outside, and

-the opposing guard, following him, makes the hole for centre to go

-through.</p>

-

-<p><i>The Half-Back.</i>&mdash;The function of the half-back is to carry the ball.

-The advance into the enemy's territory must be made by him, except that

-a tackle may occasionally be called on for a run. The position is a

-difficult, trying, and exhausting one. The back must be sent time and

-again without let-up. With reference to his own proper function, a

-half-back should be chosen for speed, endurance, sand, and a cool, quick

-judgment. There are two distinct styles of backs&mdash;the "plunging back"

-and the "wrigglers," or "dodgers." It is desirable to have one of each

-upon a team. The former is better in line-breaking as a rule, and the

-latter excels in "broken fields" and end-running. The backs should be

-drilled carefully in the Fundamentals, especially those connected with

-their immediate duties, such as tossing, catching, kicking, and

-tackling. Standing starts and short dashes are also invaluable as

-preliminary practice.</p>

-

-<p>As to the form of the half-back, it should be such as will not give away

-the direction in which he intends to run, yet such as will enable him to

-start at once upon the snap of the ball or signal. Many of the best

-backs give away the point of attack by unconscious glances and

-movements, things that should be studiously avoided. False starts are

-also to be guarded against, as they spoil the whole play and slow up the

-game. The backs should take, as far as possible, the same position in

-the given play every time. The body should be angular in form and

-carried well forward, much like the position of the standing start of a

-sprinter, with this difference, that the rear foot should not be quite

-so far back. The position must be one in which the backs can start

-quickly in either direction. Backs generally stand perfectly square,

-with toes of both feet on a line. Before they can get away from that

-position they must take either a short step back or forward. This step

-is unnecessary and shows a man up.</p>

-

-<p>In going through the line, the general rule is to go low. In running

-low, the runner should bend his neck so that he can see and take his

-holes cleanly. When going through the middle of the line, it is best to

-carry the ball in both hands.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1127" id="Page_1127">[Pg 1127]</a></span> Take the ball in the pit of the stomach,

-the legs and trunk forming a basket or angle, and then grapple it to you

-with both hands. Do not carry the ball too far under the arm. The ball

-should be carried so that it may be shifted in order to use the nearest

-arm to ward off would-be tacklers. It is surprising how many tacklers

-can be warded off by using that arm like a piston-rod against every man

-that comes up. In line-breaking, the back should remember to keep his

-feet and fight for the last inch of ground. If he can only keep his feet

-and give his own side a chance to push, he is bound to gain ground.</p>

-

-<p><i>Full-Back.</i>&mdash;No player has <i>cut so much ice</i> in the winning or losing

-of big matches in the last two seasons as the full-back. The holding of

-big teams to small scores by inferior ones has been largely owing to

-good men in this position. Hence the growing appreciation of the demands

-of this position and its vital importance to the success of the eleven.

-Kicking to-day has come to be a part of the offensive game, and the

-full-back, consequently, the biggest ground-gainer of all the backs. The

-full-back should be chosen almost solely for his ability to kick. Other

-qualifications are desirable, to be sure, but the ability to kick is the

-prime requisite. The preliminary training of the full-back should be one

-continuous kick.</p>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_017.jpg" width="400" height="153" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">FIG. 4.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>The position of the full-back on the offence will be generally midway

-between the two backs, or a little in advance of them, near enough to

-touch either with the out-stretched arm. In runs around the end the

-full-back will generally be called on either to lead the interference or

-to block some particular player on the other side&mdash;a half-back or an

-end, most likely. In bucking the centre, the full-back should put his

-head down and go low and hard. He should make up his mind where he is

-going, and then go there without halting and hesitating. While as a

-general rule it is hard to gain through a good centre, a short gain

-through that territory is all the more valuable. The line through the

-centre is a straight line, and therefore the shortest distance to the

-required five yards, as will be seen in Fig. 4, the base of a

-right-angled triangle being always shorter than the hypothenuse.</p>

-

-<p><i>The Quarter-Back.</i>&mdash;The first essential qualification of a quarter-back

-is brains. He should be able to take in a situation at a glance, to

-think quickly, and to put that thought into execution at once. He should

-be cool without being deliberate, enthusiastic without being excitable.

-He should be brimful of nervous force and energy and of tireless

-activity. He should be absolutely fearless, and of positive force of

-character. The quarter-back should have constant, painstaking practice

-in handling and passing the ball. All spare moments on and off the field

-can most profitably be put in by him in receiving the snap from his

-centre and passing to some back. By that practice he gets used to his

-centre and learns intuitively when and where the ball will come every

-time.</p>

-

-<p>The two ways commonly used in putting the ball into play are the "end"

-and "flap" snap. Take the position of quarter in receiving the "flap"

-snap first: The quarter stands, or rather kneels without touching his

-knees, close up behind the centre, about a foot from him.</p>

-

-<p>The position is such that he can start quickly in the opposite direction

-from the one he is facing to receive the ball. Turning to the rear is

-easily and quickly done by using the balls of the feet as a pivot and

-swinging the body around on them. The ball should be picked up cleanly.

-It ought to require no more changing to throw than a baseball. The ball

-is picked up with the fingers over one end of it, the other end is bound

-to point along the arm, and thus it is ready for throwing. When the ball

-is snapped end over end, the quarter-back takes an entirely different

-position. He should stand squarely behind the centre, both feet being

-nearly on a line. He should stand near enough to take the ball on the

-first bound just the moment before the ball reaches the point where it

-begins to fall. His distance is about from two to three feet.</p>

-

-<p>Upon the defence, the quarter with the other two backs form a kind of

-second rush-line. The play of the quarter-back on the defence, unless

-some special assignment is made him, is that of a free lance, a pirate

-to mix up things generally and break through where he is least expected.

-He generally stands behind the centre, and the moment the play starts,

-takes the nearest hole. Oft-times the guard and centre can make a hole

-to let the quarter through.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<p>When an individual enters a competition which is held by any association

-for the purpose of determining which player has the strongest claim, by

-reason of his skill, to represent that association at a competition to

-be held by some other (and, usually, greater) organization at some

-future date, he takes upon himself, as a man of honor, the obligation,

-in case he wins, of representing the first body in the contest to be

-held by the second body. This more or less ethical and undoubtedly wordy

-definition I hope is clear; but in case it is not, let me put it in

-another and possibly more colloquial way: If the Scholastic School holds

-a golf tournament for the purpose of selecting a man to represent the

-Scholastic School at the University College golf tournament, every man

-who <i>enters</i> the Scholastic School tournament pledges himself (in

-spirit, of course, he being an honorable amateur), in case he is a

-winner, to appear and compete, to the best of his ability, at the

-University College golf tournament as the representative of his school.</p>

-

-<p>In other words, any person who wins at a preliminary event, and fails to

-fulfil at the final contest the obligations he has thus assumed, is

-guilty of a breach of faith. He is guilty of a breach of faith unless he

-is physically unable to stand the bodily strain of the contest he has

-entered for, and in such a case he should at once notify both the body

-he represents (that it may send a substitute if it chooses) and the

-officers of the organization for whose competition he is entered, that

-the latter may not be placed in a false position toward the public and

-the other competitors.</p>

-

-<p>Mr. C.&nbsp;W. Beggs, of the Lawrenceville School, entered the Princeton

-Interscholastic Tennis Tournament as a representative of

-Lawrenceville&mdash;and won. By this victory Mr. Beggs became Princeton's

-representative at the National Interscholastic Tennis Tournament to be

-held at Newport, and accepted the obligation and responsibility of

-representing Princeton on that occasion, just as fully and as

-unequivocally as a football-player or a baseball-player accepts the

-responsibility of playing his position in the final match game of the

-season when he earns a place on his school's eleven or nine. Mr. Beggs

-did not fulfil his obligations toward Princeton. He did not appear at

-Newport on the day of the tournament, and, so far as I am able to learn,

-he did not notify the officers of the national event of his intended and

-perhaps entirely unavoidable absence.</p>

-

-<p>By acting in this manner he disarranged the programme of the national

-event, he lessened the interest in the play of the tournament, and he

-deprived Princeton of a possible victory. It is possible that Mr. Beggs

-was prevented by illness from appearing on the courts at Newport, but

-illness alone can be accepted as a valid excuse for his absence. Having

-undertaken to be present, not travels nor "occasions of a life-time"

-should have kept him away&mdash;should have allowed him to break his faith.</p>

-

-<p>These few words are not aimed in censure at Mr. Beggs. He is not alone

-in such conduct. But he is a vivid example of an unsportsmanlike act

-(unsportsmanlike unless he had the excuse of illness, and, even so,

-inconsiderate if he did not notify the National L.T.A., and it does not

-appear that he did), and the ethics of sport can only be taught to most

-of us by the display of a striking example. The interests of

-interscholastic sport may best be maintained by a strict adherence to

-obligations assumed.</p>

-

-<h4>"TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Illustrated.&mdash;8vo, Cloth, Ornamental</span>,

-$1.25.</h4>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">The Graduate</span>.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 244px;">

-<img src="images/ill_018.jpg" width="244" height="400" alt="ROYAL BAKING POWDER" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="center">A cream-of-tartar baking powder. Highest of all in leavening

-strength.&mdash;<i>Latest United States Government Food Report.</i></p>

-

-<h4><span class="smcap">Royal Baking Powder Co., New York</span>.</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_019.jpg" width="400" height="60" alt="THOMPSON'S EYE WATER" />

-</div>

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1128" id="Page_1128">[Pg 1128]</a></span></p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="BICYCLING" id="BICYCLING"></a>

-<img src="images/ill_020.jpg" width="600" height="140" alt="BICYCLING" />

-</div>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p>This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the

-Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our

-maps and tours contain many valuable data kindly supplied from the

-official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen.

-Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L.A.W., the

-Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership

-blanks and information so far as possible.</p></blockquote>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 245px;">

-<img src="images/ill_021.jpg" width="245" height="700" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">Copyright, 1896, by Harper &amp; Brothers.</span>

-</div>

-

-<p>The route given in the next three weeks will be one of the best trips in

-the vicinity of Chicago, extending from Chicago itself to Joliet, thence

-to Ottawa, and thence to La Salle, and return. Like the great majority

-of trips taken from Chicago, this one depends largely upon the time at

-the rider's disposal, for you may either start from Chicago itself, or

-if the time is too short you can take the train for Ottawa and ride from

-there, or it is possible to get off the train at Joliet and ride on. But

-if time is not so important a matter, it is by all means best to ride

-all the way from Chicago. A choice of roads leads out of the city. You

-can go by the Archer Road to Joliet viâ Summit, Mount Forest, Willow

-Springs, Sag, Lemont, Romeo, and Lockport. In going the other way, take

-the Washington Boulevard west to Des Plaines Avenue, and then south to

-Riverside. This route leads along the old Illinois-Michigan Canal, Des

-Plaines River, and the new drainage canal, and it gives an excellent

-opportunity for you to examine the work on this large engineering

-undertaking.</p>

-

-<p>There is still one other route to Joliet, which is a good road if the

-weather is good, but which after rain it would be unwise to attempt.

-This route is as follows: Start south on Western Avenue, or go down

-through Pullman City, turning westward to arrive at Blue Island. Here it

-will be necessary to make inquiry for the Blue Island and Orland Road,

-which runs southwest through Orland Station on the Wabash railway to

-Joliet. Part of this secondary route is not on the map, but it can be

-traced from Orland through Alpine, Hadley, and on into Joliet. The most

-attractive route, however, is the second one&mdash;that is, through

-Riverside, Summit, Willow Springs, etc.</p>

-

-<p>On this first stage to Joliet the road to Summit is easily found, except

-that on passing through Summit a sharp turn to the left should be made,

-instead of crossing the track and the canal, up a hill, the road then

-being perfectly clear through Mount Forest and Willow Springs to Sag

-Station, with one hill about midway between the two latter places. At

-Sag Station turn to the left and run down to Sag, less than a mile away;

-then, turning sharply to the right, run to Lemont. Thence, keeping

-always on the southern and eastern side of the tracks and the river,

-follow the road to Romeo, with a hill as you enter the town, and run

-thence through Lockport to Joliet. The distance is close upon forty

-miles. If the trip is made in a day, a good place to stop is at Sag. If,

-however, the wheelman decides to run to Ottawa in one day, Joliet would

-make a stop a little less than half the distance; though this run to

-Ottawa of about ninety miles is a little too much for the average rider,

-and Joliet being a good place to stop overnight, he is advised to make a

-two days' trip of the journey. In case Joliet is too far, there is a

-good hotel at Lockport, six or seven miles nearer Chicago than Joliet,

-and the stop might be made there, although that leaves a long ride for

-the next day.</p>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>.&mdash;Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of

-route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford,

-Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New

-Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814.

-Brooklyn to Babylon in No. 815. Brooklyn to Northport in No. 816.

-Tarrytown to Poughkeepsie in No. 817. Poughkeepsie to Hudson in No.

-818. Hudson to Albany in No. 819. Tottenville to Trenton in No.

-820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822.

-Philadelphia-Wissahickon Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West

-Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City&mdash;First Stage in

-No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland&mdash;First

-Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. New York to

-Boston&mdash;Second Stage in No. 829. Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth

-Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833.

-Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to

-Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to

-New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839.

-Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to

-Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843.

-Philadelphia to Washington&mdash;First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in

-No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth

-Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in

-No. 854; Albany to Fonda in No 855; Fonda to Utica in No. 856;

-Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons

-to Rochester in No. 859; Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia

-to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown

-to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866; Hartford

-to Springfield in No. 867; Hartford to Canaan in No 868; Canaan to

-Pittsfield in No. 869; Hudson to Pittsfield in No. 870. City of

-Chicago in No. 874. Waukesha to Oconomowoc in No. 875; Chicago to

-Wheeling in No. 876; Wheeling to Lippencott's in No 877;

-Lippencott's to Waukesha in No. 878; Waukesha to Milwaukee in No.

-879.</p></blockquote>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1129" id="Page_1129">[Pg 1129]</a></span></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="THE_CAMERA_CLUB" id="THE_CAMERA_CLUB"></a>

-<img src="images/ill_022.jpg" width="400" height="132" alt="THE CAMERA CLUB" />

-</div>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p>Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly

-answered by the Editor of this column and we should be glad to hear

-from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.</p></blockquote>

-

-<h3>HOW TO SALT PAPER.</h3>

-

-<p>Salting paper is the process by which photographic paper is coated with

-chloride of sodium (common salt), chloride of ammonium, or chloride of

-barium, and salted paper is pure photographic paper which has been

-immersed or floated in a salting-bath and then dried. Paper prepared

-especially for photographic use is the best; but paper which is free

-from impurities may be used. Whatman's drawing-paper is a good paper.

-The paper is first salted, and when dry the sensitizing solution is

-applied.</p>

-

-<p>To salt paper with chloride of sodium, take 20 oz. of water and 30 grs.

-of common salt; dissolve the salt in the water and filter; put this

-solution in a flat dish larger than the sheets of paper to be salted.

-Select the smoothest side of the paper, and turn back two corners

-diagonally opposite to each other. Take hold of the paper by these

-corners and lower the sheet of paper gently into the solution. See that

-every portion of the surface is thoroughly wet, but do not let the paper

-touch the bottom of the dish. Let it remain in the solution for one

-minute; then, if it appears to be thoroughly covered, pin it up to dry,

-with the side which was salted turned outward. To sensitize this paper,

-take nitrate of silver, &frac12;-oz., and water, 10 oz. After it is dissolved

-take out 3 oz., and to the remaining 7 oz. add strong ammonia-water,

-drop by drop. A brownish precipitate will form, but keep adding the

-ammonia till the solution is nearly or quite clear, then turn in the

-other 3 oz. and filter. This solution may be put in a flat dish, and the

-paper be sensitized by floating it on the solution, or it may be spread

-on with a brush, according to directions given in No. 869.</p>

-

-<p>To salt paper with chloride of ammonium make a solution as follows:</p>

-

-<div class="center">

-<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">

-<tr><td align="left">Chloride of Ammonium</td><td align="right">32</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left">Water</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="left">oz.</td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left">Gelatine</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>

-</table></div>

-

-<p>Put the gelatine in the water, and set the vessel containing it in a

-dish of hot water until the gelatine is dissolved. When it is cold add

-the chloride of ammonium, and either float according to directions just

-given, or apply the solution with a brush.</p>

-

-<p>To sensitize, take 1 oz. of water and 60 grs. of nitrate of silver.

-Dissolve thoroughly and brush the paper with this solution. Brush evenly

-and lightly both ways of the paper, so as to avoid a streaked

-appearance. Print and tone the same as for aristo prints. The combined

-toning-bath gives good results. The tone of the prints closely resembles

-platinum prints.</p>

-

-<p>Another process for salting paper is:</p>

-

-<div class="center">

-<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">

-<tr><td align="left">Chloride of Ammonium</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left">Chloride of Sodium</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>

-<tr><td align="left">Water</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="left">oz.</td></tr>

-</table></div>

-

-<p>Apply this solution with a brush, or float the paper on the bath. To

-sensitize, take 60 grs. of nitrate of silver and 1 oz. of water. Add

-ammonia-water, drop by drop, till 25 drops have been used. The solution

-at first turns muddy, but continue dropping the ammonia till it clears.

-If it does not clear after the 25 drops have been added clear by

-filtering. Sensitize as per former directions.</p>

-

-<p>This paper is very easily prepared, is inexpensive, and gives fine

-delicate prints. Do not print much deeper than is desired for the

-finished print. One may use a toning and fixing bath combined, or a

-separate toning and fixing bath may be used.</p>

-

-<p>One can sensitize a strip at the head of a letter or a corner of a

-visiting-card; and print the same as any paper.</p>

-

-<p>The paper can be bought ready salted, but it is not always fresh. It is

-very little trouble to salt paper and to sensitize it, and the cost is

-much less than when paper is bought ready prepared. The plain paper

-should be used within two or three days after sensitizing with the

-silver, but the salted paper keeps well, and may be sensitized as

-needed.</p>

-

-<p>Mark the sensitized paper on the wrong side lightly, as it is hard to

-distinguish the sensitive side. When dry these prints are so flat and

-the paper is so thin that they make nice book illustrations.</p>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Sir Knights Fred. W. Long</span> and <span class="smcap">Fred. D. Rose</span> wish to know in what

-numbers of the <span class="smcap">Round Table</span> the "Papers for Beginners" may be found.

-In Nos. 812, 813, 814, 816, 817, 818, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826,

-832, 838, 840, and 842. See also the late numbers for "Chemistry

-for Amateur Photographers."</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">E. Lester Crocker</span>, Tarrytown-on-Hudson, New York, wishes to be

-enrolled as a member of the Camera Club.</p></blockquote>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h3>ILL-TEMPERED BABIES</h3>

-

-<p>are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill

-temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and

-digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most

-successful of all infant foods.&mdash;[<i>Adv.</i>]</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>Columbia</h2>

-

-<h2>Bicycles</h2>

-

-<h3>LEAD THE WORLD.</h3>

-

-<p>No competition has been able to shake the hold of Columbia Bicycles on

-the wheeling public. It is the natural reward of unequalled experience,

-materials, workmanship and facilities. To enjoy the highest delight of

-bicycling you must ride the Columbia.</p>

-

-<h3>Standard of the World</h3>

-

-<h3>$100 TO ALL ALIKE.</h3>

-

-<h4>POPE MFG. CO., Hartford, Conn.</h4>

-

-<p>Columbia Art Catalogue free from all branch houses and agents, or will

-be sent by mail for two 2-cent stamps.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>WALTER BAKER &amp; CO., <span class="smcap">limited</span>.</h2>

-

-<p class="center">Established Dorchester, Mass., 1780.</p>

-

-<h2>Breakfast Cocoa</h2>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 354px;">

-<img src="images/ill_023.jpg" width="354" height="400" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="center">Always ask for Walter Baker &amp; Co.'s</p>

-

-<h3>Breakfast Cocoa</h3>

-

-<p class="center">Made at</p>

-

-<h4>DORCHESTER, MASS.</h4>

-

-<p class="center">It bears their Trade Mark</p>

-

-<p class="center">"La Belle Chocolatiere" on every can.</p>

-

-<h3>Beware of Imitations.</h3>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>Postage Stamps, &amp;c.</h2>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 99px;">

-<img src="images/ill_024.jpg" width="99" height="80" alt="STAMPS" />

-</div>

-

-<p>100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c., 200 all dif. Hayti,

-Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. Lint FREE! <b>C.&nbsp;A.

-Stegmann</b>, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>STAMPS</h2>

-

-<p class="center"><b>10</b> stamps and large list <b>FREE!</b></p>

-

-<h4><span class="smcap">L. Dover &amp; Co</span>., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h4>STAMPS on Approval! 50% disct. <i>List free.</i></h4>

-

-<h4>W.&nbsp;C. Shields, 30 Sorauren Ave., Toronto, Canada.</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<p class="center">110 Foreign Stamps, Liberia, Borneo, Mexico, etc., 5c. <span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;L. Ashfield</span>,

-767 Prospect Ave., N.Y.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_025.jpg" width="400" height="60" alt="THOMPSON'S EYE WATER" />

-</div>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>Reader: Have you seen the</h2>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_026.jpg" width="400" height="68" alt="Franklin" />

-</div>

-

-<p>It is a Collection which no one who loves music should fail to own; it

-should find a place in every home. Never before, it may truthfully be

-said, has a song book been published at once so cheap, so good, and so

-complete.&mdash;<i>Colorado Springs Gazette.</i></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_027.jpg" width="400" height="76" alt="Square" />

-</div>

-

-<p>This Song Collection is one of the most notable enterprises of the kind

-attempted by any publisher. The brief sketches and histories of the

-leading productions in the work add greatly to the value of the

-series.&mdash;<i>Troy Times.</i></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_028.jpg" width="400" height="78" alt="Collection" />

-</div>

-

-<p>Sold Everywhere. Eight Numbers. Price, 50 cents each; Cloth, $1.00. Full

-contents, with Specimen Pages, mailed, without cost, on application to

-<b>Harper &amp; Brothers, New York</b>.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1130" id="Page_1130">[Pg 1130]</a></span></p>

-

-<h2>From Calamus to Quill.</h2>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p>It is most interesting to trace the evolution of the pen, beginning

-with the <i>calamus</i> and <i>stilus</i>&mdash;the reed and erasing bodkin&mdash;and

-ending with a fountain-pen of the most improved make. In ancient

-days great care was taken in the selection of the choicest reeds,

-the best-cured parchment, and the daintiest waxen tablets. Egypt

-grew the best reeds, though they were also found in Armenia,

-Persia, and Italy. The modern Turks and Moors prize the Persian

-reeds above all others, splitting the points in the same manner as

-our grandfathers prepared their goose-quills. The oldest account

-known respecting quills is found in a work of St. Isidore's, who

-died in 636. Alcuinus, who lived in England, speaks of his pen, so

-the familiar article must have been in use almost as long as the

-art of writing was known in the country. Perhaps steel pens would

-have been more popular when first introduced if all had known that

-the quills were pulled from the living geese!</p>

-

-<p>Dr. Warner told his stationer that with one quill pen, old when he

-took it up, he wrote an "ecclesiastical history," two volumes

-folio, and a "dissertation on the Book of Common Prayer," both

-first and final draughts. Byron wrote the "Bride of Abydos" in one

-night, without once mending his quill, while Andrew Borde,

-physician to Henry VIII., and the original "Merry Andrew," wrote a

-book of nearly three hundred pages, 12mo., in the same manner.

-Camden wrote of the quill with which he composed the Britannia,</p></blockquote>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">"With one sole pen I wrote this book,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Made of a gray goose quill;</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">A pen it was when I it took,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And a pen I leave it still."</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Launcelot Claymore</span>.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>What Shakespeare Studied when at School.</h3>

-

-<p>Mr. William J. Rolfe, the Shakespearian student, has written most

-entertainingly of the Avon bard's school days. "The training in an

-English free day school in the time of Elizabeth," he writes, "depended

-much on the attainments of the master, and these varied greatly, bad

-teachers being the rule and good ones the exception. In many towns the

-office of schoolmaster was conferred on 'an ancient citizen of no great

-learning.' Sometimes a quack conjuring doctor had the position, like

-Pinch in the <i>Comedy of Errors</i>." What did William study in the

-grammar-school? Not much except arithmetic and Latin, with perhaps a

-little Greek and a mere smattering of other branches.</p>

-

-<p>The Latin grammar used was certainly Lily's, the standard manual of the

-time, as long before and after. In <i>The Taming of the Shrew</i> (I., 1,

-167) a passage from Terence is quoted in the modified form in which it

-appears in this grammar.</p>

-

-<p>This fact, slight as it is, seems to have its bearing on the Baconian

-controversy. "Can we imagine," asks Mr. Rolfe, "the sage of St. Albans,

-familiar as he was with classical literature, going to his old Latin

-grammar for a quotation from Terence, and not to the original works of

-that famous playwright?"</p>

-

-<p>We often hear people speak of "good old times," as if present times were

-worse. But good old school times of the sort described here were

-certainly not better than present times.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>Asked to Cease Soaring a Moment.</h3>

-

-<p>Mrs. Phelps-Ward has just related an amusing story of John Greenleaf

-Whittier and Lucy Larcom. They were driving together one day, and

-discussing the Bible, the future life, and kindred topics. The poet was

-a spare man, as of course you know, while the author, whose stories and

-poems you so well remember, was portly, and had withal an easy-going

-temperament, which led her to take things as they came, disturbed by

-nothing. She was, when interested in a subject, generally quite

-oblivious to all else around her. Driving along, they came to a rather

-steep hill that had a bad gully in it. The horse was none too easy to

-manage, and the carriage swayed uncomfortably toward the heavy

-side&mdash;that borne well down by the portly woman. Mr. Whittier was trying

-his best to control the horse and keep his seat, but his companion

-talked on.</p>

-

-<p>"Lucy," said the poet, sternly, and with not too much composure, "if

-thee doesn't stop talking long enough for me to control this horse,

-thee'll find thyself in heaven before thee wants to."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>Kinks.</h3>

-

-<h3>No. 30.&mdash;<span class="smcap">An Oblong Star</span>.</h3>

-

-<p>If the cross-words are rightly guessed the central letters of the

-right-hand hour-glass, reading downward, will spell the name of the

-Grecian painter from whose untiring industry is derived the proverb,

-<i>Nulla dies sine linea</i> ("No day without a line"). The central letters

-of the left-hand hour-glass will spell the name of a renowned Greek

-sculptor who was born about the time of the battle of Marathon.</p>

-

-<p>1. <i>Upper Diamond.</i>&mdash;1. In drawling. 2. A Japanese coin worth about

-four-fifths of a cent. 3. A word occurring frequently in the Psalms. 4.

-A deceiver. 5. The inferior pole of the horizon. 6. A form of a personal

-pronoun. 7. In drawling.</p>

-

-<p>2. <i>Lower Diamond.</i>&mdash;1. In drawling. 2. Mournful. 3. The pyramidal roof

-of a tower. 4. Insulting. 5. Scorched. 6. To finish. 7. In drawling.</p>

-

-<p>3. <i>Left-hand Hour-glass.</i>&mdash;1. Spotted. 2. Fences sunk below the ground.

-3. A mite. 4. In drawling. 5. The dado. 6. A map. 7. Calcined gypsum.</p>

-

-<p>4. <i>Right-Hand Hour-glass.</i>&mdash;1. Revolves. 2. Writing material. 3. A

-couch. 4. In drawling. 5. A beverage. 6. To step. 7. To sparkle.</p>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Vincent V.&nbsp;M. Beede</span>, R.T.F.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<h3>No. 31.&mdash;<span class="smcap">A Heterogeneous Pie</span>.</h3>

-

-<p>A maniac in a Canadian asylum once requested his keeper to bring him a

-pie composed of the following ingredients:</p>

-

-<p>One object<sup>1</sup> which once bore the words, "For the fairest," won by Venus;

-one cup of one<sup>2</sup> who rides the main; three cups of an appropriate name<sup>3</sup>

-for a hard-headed animal; a morsel of a rod<sup>4</sup> little used in billiards;

-a nickname<sup>5</sup> applied to a New England State; one pound of the fish<sup>6</sup>

-that struggles; a goodly quantity of the fruit<sup>7</sup> from which a mechanic

-in one of Shakespeare's comedies derives his name; a dash of the <i>nom de

-plume</i><sup>8</sup> of James W. Morris; forty incites<sup>9</sup>; a heaping measure of the

-substance<sup>10</sup> indicated by the blank.</p>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 22em;">"Not a &mdash;&mdash;</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 15em;">But shows some touch in freckle, streak, or stain,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 15em;">Of his unrivall'd pencil."&mdash;Cowper.</span><br />

-<br />

-<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Xentrique</span>.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<h3>No. 32&mdash;<span class="smcap">Beheading</span>.</h3>

-

-<p>1. Behead a fruit, and leave a fruit; behead once more, and leave our

-ancestors; behead again, and leave a part of our ancestors.</p>

-

-<p>2. Behead a tree, and leave past; behead again, and leave to depart.</p>

-

-<p>3. Behead a fruit, and leave a vegetable; behead again, and leave to

-adorn.</p>

-

-<p>4. Behead a plant, and leave slack; behead again, and leave that

-wherewith the plant might have been cut.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>Answers to Kinks.</h3>

-

-<h3>No. 28.&mdash;<span class="smcap">A Musical Mélange</span>.</h3>

-

-<p>1. Beethoven. 2. Chopin. 3. Handel. 4. Bull (<i>Taurus</i>). 5. Rossini. 6.

-Thomas. 7. Albani. 8. Crotch. 9. Lasso. 10. Mason. 11. Potter. 12.

-Purcell. 13. Fiddle. 14. Spinet. 15. Flute. 16. Bugle. 17. Trumpet. 18.

-Bagpipes. 19. Kettle-drums. 20. Fife. 21. Horn. 22. Lyre. 23.

-Harpsichord.</p>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<h3>No. 29.</h3>

-

-<p>1. Burns. 2. Scott. 3. Herbert. 4. Willis. 5. Spenser. 6. White. 7.

-Dryden. 8. Hemans. 9. Pope. 10. Goldsmith. 11. Cowper. 12. Southey.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>Not Good Form.</h3>

-

-<p>Care for what one says ought always to be exercised, without regard to

-whether or not it may be heard by those for whom it is not intended.

-Here is a story that emphasizes this lesson:</p>

-

-<p>An officer of the Law Division of the New York Custom-house walked into

-the Collector's office a few days ago, while the Collector was talking

-with a tall man, whose back was turned toward the door.</p>

-

-<p>"What is it?" asked the Collector. "Anything important?"</p>

-

-<p>"Oh no," returned the officer. "Only another blunder in the long list of

-blunders committed by that Secretary of the Treasury of ours." The tall

-man laughed.</p>

-

-<p>"Mr. Blank," said the Collector, "let me introduce you to Mr. Carlisle,

-Secretary of the Treasury."</p>

-

-<p>The Secretary turned, still laughing, and shook the hand of the law

-officer, who, red in the face, stammered a half-heard apology&mdash;and got

-out as quickly as possible.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>A Good Amateur Newspaper.</h3>

-

-<p>The <i>Scribbler</i> has completed its first year, and it makes quite an

-unnecessary apology for its past shortcomings. This latter is really the

-poorest thing about its past&mdash;this apology. Many a public speaker, after

-giving a good address, mars it by apologizing for it. The <i>Scribbler</i>

-has done well, and of course will do better. Its address is: Easton,

-Pa., and its manager, Norman E. Hart. You should see a copy. It is neat

-and Interesting.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>Questions and Answers.</h3>

-

-<p>John C. Cone, 519 South Seventh Street, Hamilton, O., wants to receive

-sample copies of amateur newspapers. The Table has not published a

-description of the badge, dear Sir Sidney Mulhall, and has now none in

-stock. Evelyn T. Jones: Yes, the Table is glad to receive descriptions

-of places, industries, outings, etc., and asks correspondents to try to

-see how excellent they can make such morsels&mdash;correct grammar and

-spelling, avoidance of unnecessary words, and careful selection of

-descriptive adjectives. Letters from foreign places, if filled with

-information of general interest, are published when space permits. Good

-"Kinks" will be published, but new ideas are wanted, not merely new

-material in old forms.</p>

-

-<p>Arthur J. Johnston, Box 136, Dartmouth, N.&nbsp;S., says, "I am much

-interested in politics, and would like to correspond with members of the

-Table, especially those living in Canada, on that subject." Cyrus

-Williston, Vernon, N.&nbsp;Y., wants to hear from members of the Order, any

-subject, and Louis O. Brosie, 3405 Butler Street, Pittsburg. Pa., has

-some quite old numbers of <span class="smcap">Harper's Young People</span> which he does not want.

-He mentions the fact upon seeing inquiries in this column for these old

-copies, no longer in the publishers' stock. Aaron Spong asks where he

-can find a collection of college songs. There are several to be had. Ask

-for <i>Carmina Princetonia</i>; <i>Columbia College Song-Book</i>; <i>Harvard

-College Song-Book</i>. Go to your bookseller or to a music-store. Any

-dealer can get collections for you upon order, but Chicago dealers will

-have them in stock without doubt.</p>

-

-<p>Henry F. French asks for information concerning the earliest national

-books. The Pentateuch is the oldest of books. In Greece the most ancient

-writings are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, date about 900 <span class="smcap">b.c</span>. In Latin,

-Plautus wrote his comedies 200 <span class="smcap">b.c</span>. The first British author was Gildas,

-500 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>., who wrote a <i>Conquest of Britain</i>. At the same date Venan

-Fortunatus, in France, wrote the first work of that country&mdash;a book of

-Latin poetry. The Koran is the earliest work of any Arabian, Persian, or

-Turk. It was written <span class="smcap">a.d</span>. 600. The first of Germany's literature was

-Walafred Strabo's book of poems and theology, 841 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>. In Russia,

-Yaroslaff in the year 1000 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>., compiled a code of laws, while Monez

-(1100 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>.) is the first Portuguese author. The other countries are

-represented as follows: Italy, Accursius, writer of jurisprudence,

-1182-1260 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>.; Sweden, Eric Olai, author of <i>A History of the Goths and

-Swedes</i>, 1400 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>.; Poland, Vinc Kadlubek, writer of a history of

-Poland, 1226 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>. Arvine names Benjamin Thompson our "pioneer in

-letters." He was called "ye renowned poet of New England, learned

-schoolmaster and physician."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1131" id="Page_1131">[Pg 1131]</a></span></p>

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="STAMPS" id="STAMPS"></a>

-<img src="images/ill_029.jpg" width="400" height="135" alt="STAMPS" />

-</div>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p>This department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin

-collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question

-on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address

-Editor Stamp Department.</p></blockquote>

-

-<p>Specialization has led to the cataloguing of innumerable minute

-varieties in perforations, water-marks, papers, shades, and impressions

-from more or less worn or retouched plates, to say nothing of "freaks."

-The result has been the immense catalogues with which we are all so

-familiar, and albums containing a multitude of spaces for stamps which

-not one collector in a thousand can ever expect to fill. This has led to

-a reaction, and the average collector will hereafter not be puzzled by

-minute varieties of no interest to any one except the small group of

-rich men in each country to whom they are due. These advanced collectors

-do not use printed albums, and special catalogues can easily be made for

-them. All the large dealers hereafter will make albums and catalogues

-which the average collector will have a chance of filling up at

-reasonable rates.</p>

-

-<p>Unique or very rare stamps in such albums will probably be represented

-by photographs of the costly originals.</p>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">W. MacFarlane</span>.&mdash;The 2c. U.S. Revenues are extremely common, hence

-have no value.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">S. Manning</span>.&mdash;The old U.S. Special Delivery stamps are worth 15c.

-each, used. The yellow one will probably prove to be the scarcest.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;M. Crossman</span>.&mdash;The 1892 Columbian half-dollar can be bought for

-75c. The 1893 one is in common use. The Columbian quarter is worth

-$1.75.</p>

-

-<p>H.&nbsp;H.&nbsp;C.&mdash;The ordinary U.S. quarter for 1853 with rays on the

-reverse can be bought for 35c. The rare variety of the same date

-for $3.50.</p>

-

-<p>F.&nbsp;M., <span class="smcap">Jun</span>.&mdash;The 50c. Mortgage U.S. Revenue is worth 5c.; the 50c.

-Entry of Goods and Conveyance, 1c. each: the $1 Inland Exchange,

-1c. These prices are for perforated stamps; if unperforated they

-are worth $1 each upward.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Will Kelsey</span>.&mdash;All sheets of the current issue have one outside row

-of stamps unperforated on one side, and all the 1c., 2c., etc.,

-have two rows of stamps unperforated on one side. Such partly

-perforated stamps have no special value. The 1875 reprint of the

-1869 3c. stamp is worth $15 unused. This reprint can be known by

-the snow-white paper on which it is printed. Many of the 1869

-stamps show no signs of grilling, owing to a very light pressure of

-the grills. Such stamps have no greater value than the grilled

-ones.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">Nyack</span>.&mdash;I do not know what the stamped paper made for use in the

-American colonies is worth. I know of one copy which was bought by

-the holder for $50. There were no adhesive stamps made for the 1765

-stamp act.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">T.&nbsp;A. Wessman</span>.&mdash;It is impossible to pass any opinion on rare

-Chinese coins without seeing a rubbing. They are considered as

-simple curios here, and can be bought very cheap if the dealer has

-any.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">A.&nbsp;F. Berlin</span>.&mdash;Apply to any of the larger dealers for price.</p>

-

-<p>A.&nbsp;B.&nbsp;C.&mdash;My remarks applied to Spanish stamps only. The West

-Australian cancelled stamps with punched holes were those issued by

-the colonial authorities to the imperial (<i>i.e.</i>, Great Britain)

-authorities for official use. Most of these imperial officials were

-in charge of the convict camps in West Australia, and doubtless

-some of the stamps were given by them to prisoners in their charge,

-as it seems fairly well established that some letters from

-prisoners were pre-paid by punched stamps.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">C.&nbsp;S. Smith</span>.&mdash;Dealers offer U.S. dollars of 1800 for $2;

-half-dollar 1811, 1812, 1818, seventy-five cents each.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">C. Rawson</span>, 3421 North Nineteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa., wishes

-to exchange stamps.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;D. Graham</span>.&mdash;"Local" stamps are those used by postmasters and by

-private firms who carried letters in competition with the U.S.

-mails. They have all been suppressed by the U.S. government. The

-<i>early</i> Boyd's Express, Blood &amp; Co.'s, Honour City Post, etc., are

-very scarce. Hussey's Post and the later Boyd's Express are very

-common. Many have been reprinted, and others have been

-counterfeited.</p>

-

-<p><span class="smcap">N.&nbsp;P. Coppedge</span>.&mdash;The English penny is quite a common coin. It has

-no value in this country, and in England can be bought for

-threepence.</p></blockquote>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Philatus</span>.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">

-<img src="images/ill_030.jpg" width="600" height="294" alt="IVORY SOAP" />

-</div>

-

-<p class="center">"Health is the vital principle of bliss, and exercise, of health."</p>

-

-<p>

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No health&mdash;there is no hope of bliss,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">No exercise&mdash;and health soon flies,</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No bath with Ivory Soap&mdash;you miss</span><br />

-<span style="margin-left: 20em;">The best results of exercise.</span><br />

-</p>

-

-<p>Copyright, 1896, by The Procter &amp; Gamble Co., Cin'ti.</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;">

-<img src="images/ill_031.jpg" width="150" height="91" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<h3>GOLD RINGS FREE!</h3>

-

-<p>We will give one half-round Ring, <b>18k Rolled Gold</b> plate &amp; <b>warranted</b> to

-anyone who will sell 1 doz. Indestructible Lamp Wicks (need no trimming)

-among friends at 10cts. each. Write us and we will mail you the <b>Wicks</b>.

-You sell them and send us the money and we will mail you the Ring.</p>

-

-<h4>STAR CHEMICAL CO., Box 435, Centerbrook, Conn.</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>A TRIP ABROAD,</h2>

-

-<p>a Piano, Phonograph Bicycle, Solid Gold Watch, and many other unheard-of

-opportunities, free for the asking, to every young person. Get all

-information by sending your address (no stamp required) to</p>

-

-<h4>CHASE &amp; CO., No. 1 Madison Ave., New York City.</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 123px;">

-<img src="images/ill_032.jpg" width="123" height="150" alt="" />

-</div>

-

-<h3>EARN A GOLD WATCH!</h3>

-

-<p>We wish to introduce our <b>Teas and Baking Powder</b>. Sell 50 lbs. to earn a

-<b>Waltham Gold Watch and Chain</b>; 25 lbs. for a <b>Silver Watch and Chain</b>; 10

-lbs. for a <b>Gold Ring</b>; 50 lbs. for a <b>Decorated Dinner Set</b>; 75 lbs. for a

-<b>Bicycle</b>. Write for a Catalog and Order Blank to Dept. I</p>

-

-<h4>W.&nbsp;G. BAKER,</h4>

-

-<h4>Springfield, Mass.</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_033.jpg" width="400" height="60" alt="THOMPSON'S EYE WATER" />

-</div>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-<h2>HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE SERIES</h2>

-

-<p class="center"><i>Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth. $1.25 per volume.</i></p>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p><b>The Mystery of Abel Forefinger.</b> By <span class="smcap">William Drysdale</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Raftmates.&mdash;Canoemates.&mdash;Campmates.&mdash;Dorymates.</b>&mdash;By <span class="smcap">Kirk Munroe</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Young Lucretia</b>, and Other Stories. By <span class="smcap">Mary E. Wilkins</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>The Mate of the "Mary Ann."&mdash;Flying Hill Farm.</b> By <span class="smcap">Sophie Swett</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>A Boy's Town.</b> By <span class="smcap">W.&nbsp;D. Howells</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>The Midnight Warning</b>, etc. By <span class="smcap">Edward H. House</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>The Moon Prince</b>, and Other Nabobs. By <span class="smcap">Richard Kendall Munkittrick</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Diego Pinzon.</b> By <span class="smcap">John Russell Coryell</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Phil and the Baby, and False Witness.</b> Two Stories. By <span class="smcap">Lucy C.

-Lillie</span>.</p></blockquote>

-

-<p class="center"><i>Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00 per volume.</i></p>

-

-<blockquote>

-

-<p><b>Lucy C. Lillie.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Household of Glen Holly</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Colonel's

-Money</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Mildred's Bargain</span>, etc.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Nan</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Rolf House</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Jo's

-Opportunity</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Story of Music and Musicians</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>James Otis.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Silent Pete</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Toby Tyler</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Tim and Tip</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Mr. Stubbs's

-Brother</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Left Behind</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Raising the "Pearl</span>."</p>

-

-<p><b>David Ker.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Lost City</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Into Unknown Seas</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>William Black.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Four Macnicols</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Kirk Munroe.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Chrystal, Jack &amp; Co</span>., and <span class="smcap">Delta Bixby</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Derrick

-Sterling</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Wakulla</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Flamingo Feather</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>John Habberton.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Who was Paul Grayson</span>?</p>

-

-<p><b>Ernest Ingersoll.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Ice Queen</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>W.&nbsp;O. Stoddard.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Talking Leaves</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Two Arrows</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Red Mustang</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Mrs. W.&nbsp;J. Hays.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Prince Lazybones</span>, etc.</p>

-

-<p><b>G.&nbsp;C. Eggleston.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Strange Stories from History</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>George B. Perry.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Uncle Peter's Trust</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>Sophie Swett.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Captain Polly</span>.</p>

-

-<p><b>W.&nbsp;L. Alden.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">A New Robinson Crusoe</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Adventures of Jimmy

-Brown</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Cruise of the Canoe Club</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Cruise of the

-"Ghost</span>."&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Moral Pirates</span>.</p></blockquote>

-

-<hr class="tb" />

-

-<h4>HARPER &amp; BROTHERS, Publishers, New York</h4>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1132" id="Page_1132">[Pg 1132]</a></span></p>

-

-<h2>LOST HIS BEARINGS.</h2>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_034.jpg" width="400" height="367" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">"<span class="smcap">Begins to work kind of hard. Guess I'll stop and look

-into her</span>."</span>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_035.jpg" width="400" height="373" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">"<span class="smcap">I'll fix that in just a minute</span>."</span>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_036.jpg" width="400" height="367" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">OSTRICH (<i>sotto voce.</i>). "<span class="smcap">So will I</span>."</span>

-</div>

-

-<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">

-<img src="images/ill_037.jpg" width="400" height="370" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">"<span class="smcap">Great scott! Where have those bearings gone to</span>?"</span>

-</div>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>A MATTER OF LETTERS.</h3>

-

-<p>"I'm afraid you're a tease," said the old farmer to Aleck.</p>

-

-<p>"I may be a tease," said Aleck, "but I'm not one of the jays."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>FULLY OCCUPIED.</h3>

-

-<p>"Well, Charlie," said his aunt, as she met him on his return from the

-summer hotel, "what did you do with yourself all summer?"</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, I was losin' my hat about half the time," said Charlie.</p>

-

-<p>"Indeed! And what did you do the other half?"</p>

-

-<p>"Oh, I spent that lookin' for my hat."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p>It is a hard matter to get the better of, or at least to convince, an

-Irishman in an argument that you are right. Not long ago, in one of the

-cabins of a coast-line steamer, the conversation turned round to

-astronomy. A gentleman observed that the sun made a revolution around

-the earth, and what more wonderful thing than that could be found in

-astronomy? This somewhat amused the other passengers, but their laughter

-developed into great hilarity when an Irishman near by, exclaimed:</p>

-

-<p>"That's not so! The sun, I am certain, does not revolute the earth!"</p>

-

-<p>"But," said the gentleman, "where does it come from when it rises in the

-east, and where does it go when it sets in the west? It has no other

-thing to do but to pass under the earth and come up again."</p>

-

-<p>"Arrah, now, that's plain enough. Shure yer shouldn't be puzzled at

-that. If the sun goes from the east to the west, it returns the same

-way, and the only reason yer don't see it is because it comes back at

-night-toime."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<h3>A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE.</h3>

-

-<p>"Jimmie, you wasted your breath talking to old Mr. Wilbur this morning.

-He's as deaf as a post."</p>

-

-<p>"I know that," said Jimmie, with a smile, "but posts don't have ten-cent

-pieces in their pockets to give little boys, and Mr. Wilbur does."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<p>"Is this a sleeping-car, papa?"</p>

-

-<p>"Yes, Johnny."</p>

-

-<p>"Does it travel all night?"</p>

-

-<p>"Yes."</p>

-

-<p>"Humph! Must do all its sleeping in the day-time."</p>

-

-<hr class="chap" />

-

-<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">

-<img src="images/ill_038.jpg" width="600" height="377" alt="" />

-<span class="caption">GETTING A FEW POINTS IN NATURAL HISTORY.</span>

-</div>

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-<pre>

-

-

-

-

-

-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Harper's Round Table, September 15,

-1896, by Various

-

-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***

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+<pre>
+
+Project Gutenberg's Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896, by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
+other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
+whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
+the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
+www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
+to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
+
+Title: Harper's Round Table, September 15, 1896
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: April 23, 2019 [EBook #59335]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Annie R. McGuire
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#A_VIRGINIA_CAVALIER">A VIRGINIA CAVALIER.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#HOW_TO_MANAGE_AN_AQUARIUM">HOW TO MANAGE AN AQUARIUM.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#WHO_CAN_ANSWER">WHO CAN ANSWER?</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#ADVENTURES_WITH_FRIEND_PAUL">ADVENTURES WITH FRIEND PAUL.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#CAPTAIN_HANKS_SUBSTITUTE">CAPTAIN HANK'S SUBSTITUTE.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#UP_IN_A_WATER-SPOUT">UP IN A WATER-SPOUT.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#IN_THE_OLD_HERRICK_HOUSE">IN THE OLD HERRICK HOUSE.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_AMERICAN_NIGHTS_ENTERTAINMENTS">THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_GREAT_SEAL_OF_ENGLAND">THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_VOYAGE_OF_THE_RATTLETRAP">THE VOYAGE OF THE "RATTLETRAP."</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT">INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#BICYCLING">BICYCLING.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#THE_CAMERA_CLUB">THE CAMERA CLUB.</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><a href="#STAMPS">STAMPS.</a></td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1109" id="Page_1109">[Pg 1109]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/ill_001.jpg" width="800" height="270" alt="HARPER'S ROUND TABLE" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">Copyright, 1896, by <span class="smcap">Harper &amp; Brothers</span>. All Rights Reserved.</p>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="100%" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">published weekly</span></td><td align="center">NEW YORK, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1896.</td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">five cents a copy</span>.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><span class="smcap">vol. xvii.&mdash;no</span>. 881.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="right"><span class="smcap">two dollars a year</span>.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<hr class="full" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 700px;"><a name="A_VIRGINIA_CAVALIER" id="A_VIRGINIA_CAVALIER"></a>
+<img src="images/ill_002.jpg" width="700" height="547" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2>A VIRGINIA CAVALIER.</h2>
+
+<h3>BY MOLLY ELLIOT SEAWELL.</h3>
+
+<h3>CHAPTER XIV.</h3>
+
+<p>The next few weeks worked a great and serious change in George. It was
+the first time he had seen death since he was ten years old, when his
+father died. That had made a great impression on him at the time, but
+the feelings of a child of ten and a youth of sixteen are very
+different. He had loved little Mildred dearly, and the child's death was
+a deep sorrow to him. The grief of his brother and sister was piteous.
+As the case often is, the father was the more overwhelmed, and the poor
+mother had to stifle her own grief to help her husband. George could not
+but love and admire his sister the more when he saw her calm fortitude,
+and how, inspired by love for her husband, she bore bravely the loss of
+her only child. Both Madam Washington and Betty had come to Mount Vernon
+the day of little Mildred's death. Madam Washington was obliged to
+return after a few days to her younger children, but George and Betty
+remained.</p>
+
+<p>"For George is the heir now," said Laurence, with a sad smile, "and he
+must learn to manage what will one day be his own."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, brother," burst out George, with strange violence, "do you believe
+I wanted this place at the price of your child's life? I would give it
+all, twenty times over, to have her back!"</p>
+
+<p>"If I had thought you coveted it, I should never have made you my heir,"
+was Laurence's reply to this.</p>
+
+<p>Never was there a kinder or more helpful soul than Betty,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1110" id="Page_1110">[Pg 1110]</a></span> now a tall
+and beautiful girl of fourteen. Mrs. Washington's health was much
+shattered by this last and greatest sorrow, and Laurence, who had always
+been of a delicate constitution, became every day more feeble. George
+attended him assiduously, rarely leaving him. He persuaded his brother
+to ride out and take some interest in the place. He read to Laurence of
+evenings in the library, and tried to interest him with accounts of the
+new regions in which the younger brother had spent so many months.
+Nothing could ever make Laurence Washington a happy man again.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Washington's sorrow, though as great, was better controlled. She
+always managed to wear a cheerful look before her husband, and although
+she was not able to accompany him in his out-door life, she was with him
+every moment he spent in-doors. Betty was to her as great a comfort as
+George was to Laurence Washington. Betty had so tender a heart and so
+excellent an understanding that she was as helpful as a woman twice her
+age, and these two young creatures were mainstays and comforts at an age
+when most young creatures rely wholly on other people.</p>
+
+<p>All day they were engaged, each in gentle and untiring efforts to make
+life a little brighter to their brother and sister. But after the older
+persons had retired, every night, George and Betty would sit up over the
+fire in the library and talk for hours. Their conversations were not
+always sad&mdash;it is not natural for the young to dwell in sadness&mdash;but
+they were generally serious. One night Betty said:</p>
+
+<p>"Don't you think, George, we ought to write to our mother and ask her to
+let us stay over Christmas with brother Laurence and sister Anne? You
+remember how gay it was last Christmas, and how glad we were to be here?
+Now I think when they are in great trouble we ought to be as willing to
+stay with them as when they were happy and bright and could make us
+enjoy ourselves."</p>
+
+<p>"Betty," answered George, in admiration, "why did I not think of this? I
+see it is just what we ought to do."</p>
+
+<p>"Because," said Betty, promptly, "women are much more thoughtful than
+men, and girls are much more thoughtful than boys."</p>
+
+<p>George did not dispute this, as he had been taught never to call in
+question any woman's goodness, and in his heart he believed them to be
+all as good as his mother and Betty and his sister Anne. The lesson of
+chivalry towards all women had been early and deeply taught him, and it
+was a part of the fibre of his being. "And shall I write and ask our
+mother to let us stay?" asked George, humbly.</p>
+
+<p>"No," replied Betty, with a slight accent of scorn; "you might not ask
+it in the right way. I shall write myself."</p>
+
+<p>Now, although Betty always assumed, when alone with George, this
+superior tone, yet when they were in company nothing could exceed her
+submissiveness towards this darling brother, and it was then George's
+turn to treat her with condescending kindness. But each thought this
+arrangement perfectly natural and mutually satisfactory. Whenever they
+had a discussion, though, Betty always carried the day, for she was
+really a girl of remarkably fine sense, and much more glib and
+persuasive than George, who could always be silenced, if not convinced,
+by Betty's ready tongue and quick wit. The next day the letter was
+written, and within a week a reply was received giving permission for
+them to remain over Christmas.</p>
+
+<p>Mrs. Washington, ever thoughtful of others, made the same preparation
+for the holiday on the estate as usual, so that, however sad the house
+might be, the servants should have their share of jollity. But the tie
+between a kind master and mistress and their slaves was one of great
+affection, and especially were the white children objects of affection
+to the black people. Therefore, although the usual Christmas holiday was
+given, with all the extra allowances and indulgences, it was a quiet
+season at Mount Vernon. On Christmas day, instead of the merry party in
+carriages going to Pohick Church, and an equally merry one going on
+board the <i>Bellona</i> to service, the coach only took Mr. and Mrs.
+Washington and Betty to church, George riding with them, for he hated a
+coach, and never drove when he could ride.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile William Fairfax had returned to Belvoir, where there were
+Christmas festivities. George and Betty were asked, and although their
+brother and sister urged them to go, neither felt really inclined for
+gayety. They were not of those natures forever in pursuit of pleasure,
+although none could enjoy it more when it came rightly; and a native
+good sense and tender sympathy with others, which found no expression in
+words, made them both feel that they should omit no mark of respect in a
+case where they were so directly benefited as by the little girl's
+death. Laurence Washington and his wife could not admire too much
+George's delicacy about Mount Vernon. While he made use of the servants
+and the horses and carriages and boats, and everything else on the
+place, with the freedom of a son rather than of a younger brother, no
+word or look escaped him that indicated he was the heir.</p>
+
+<p>William Fairfax was a great resource to both George and Betty. Living a
+whole summer together as he and George had done, it was inevitable that
+they should become either very much attached or very antagonistic&mdash;and
+luckily they had become devotedly fond of one another. William was
+preparing to enter William and Mary College the following year, and
+George bitterly regretted that he would not have so pleasant a companion
+for his next summer's work. Very different were his circumstances now,
+the acknowledged heir of a rich brother. But George determined to act as
+if no such thing existed, and to carry out his plan of finishing the
+surveys on Lord Fairfax's lands. The universal expectation of war with
+France, whenever the French and English outposts should get sufficiently
+near, made him sure that he would one day bear arms; but he prepared for
+whatever the future might hold for him by doing his best in the present.</p>
+
+<p>In February he returned to Ferry Farm for a while, but he had been there
+only a month when Laurence Washington wrote, begging that he would
+return, and saying that he himself felt utterly unequal to carrying on
+the affairs of a great estate in his present wretched state of health
+and spirits. Madam Washington made no objection to George's return to
+Mount Vernon. She realized the full extent of Laurence's kind intentions
+towards George, and that his presence was absolutely necessary to keep
+the machinery of a large plantation going.</p>
+
+<p>In March, therefore, George was again at Mount Vernon, practically in
+charge of the place. There were ploughing and ditching and draining and
+clearing and planting to be done, and, with a force of a hundred and
+fifty field hands and eighteen hundred acres of arable land, it was no
+small undertaking. By daylight George was in the saddle, going first to
+the stables to see the stock fed, then to the kennels, and, after
+breakfast, riding over the whole estate. It kept him in the open air all
+day, and he began to like not only the life, but the responsibility. He
+had all the privileges of the master, Laurence leaving everything to his
+judgment, and his sister was glad to have it so. This continued until
+June, when, the crops being well advanced and Lord Fairfax having
+written urgently for him, he turned affairs over to the overseer until
+the autumn, and prepared to resume his work as a surveyor.</p>
+
+<p>He paid a hurried visit to Ferry Farm, where, although he was painfully
+missed, things went on perfectly well, for no better farmer than Madam
+Washington could be found in the colony of Virginia. Indeed, George's
+success at Mount Vernon was due in great measure to applying the sound
+system in vogue at Ferry Farm to the larger interests at Mount Vernon.
+Madam Washington's pride in his responsible position at Mount Vernon,
+and his still greater responsibility as a State surveyor for Lord
+Fairfax, did much to reconcile her to George's long absences. Deep in
+her heart she cherished a pride in her eldest son that was one of the
+master-passions of her life. The extreme respect that George paid her
+filled her with more satisfaction than the attentions of all the rest of
+the world. Once only had they clashed&mdash;in the matter of the midshipman's
+warrant. She had won a nominal victory by an appeal to his feelings, but
+she had no mind after that for any more battles of the sort. So, with
+tears, but with encouraging smiles, she saw him set forth, in the summer
+of 1749, upon his second year's work in the wilderness.</p>
+
+<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1111" id="Page_1111">[Pg 1111]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="HOW_TO_MANAGE_AN_AQUARIUM" id="HOW_TO_MANAGE_AN_AQUARIUM">HOW TO MANAGE AN AQUARIUM.</a></h2>
+
+<h3>BY JAMES STEELE.</h3>
+
+<p>It is generally supposed that it is necessary to change the water in an
+aquarium at least once a day; but that is not the case. The true
+principle on which an aquarium should be conducted is not to change the
+water at all, but so to aerate and refresh the original supply as to
+maintain it always in a pure and perfect state. There are several means
+by which this may be done. The healthy growth of plants is very
+important, and active and brisk contact with the air of the atmosphere
+will greatly freshen the water. Motion in the water is absolutely
+necessary. In large aquaria this is obtained by an arrangement of tanks
+into which the water is pumped, and from which it flows rapidly,
+circulating through the tanks where the fish live. In its passage
+through the air it absorbs considerable oxygen, without which no fish
+can live. Fish placed in water that has been boiled die in a very few
+minutes.</p>
+
+<p>In a small aquarium the water can be refreshed by frequently drawing it
+up through a glass or rubber syringe, and squirting it back into the
+vessel from some height above it.</p>
+
+<p>The first thing to be done in the formation of a fresh-water aquarium is
+to start your plants in proper soil at the bottom of your tank, fill the
+tank with water, and leave it undisturbed until the plants begin to grow
+and the little bubbles of oxygen are to be seen rising to the surface of
+the water.</p>
+
+<p>Choose your plants from such as you may collect from rivers or brooks or
+ponds anywhere in the country. Plant them, and then cover the surface of
+the soil with pebbles and small bits of rock, or anything that is
+suitable and in keeping with the rest of your arrangements. Never put
+sea-shells into a fresh-water aquarium, and never put in any artificial
+objects. Everything should be as simple and natural as you can make it.</p>
+
+<p>Now fill your tank with water poured through a siphon or funnel, being
+very careful not to disturb the soil or the roots of the plants. You
+should have some clean river sand in the bottom of your tank, and your
+pieces of rock should be so arranged as to form little caves and
+hiding-places for your fish. It will take perhaps two weeks to get your
+tank into a proper condition for fish to live in. Every bit of dead or
+decaying vegetation should be carefully removed. Keep your tank shaded
+from the heat of the sun, and expose it to the bright light only once in
+awhile.</p>
+
+<p>In order to manage your aquarium properly you will require a few simple
+tools. A little hand-net that can be bought for a few cents, or made for
+even less out of a bit of wire and a small piece of mosquito-netting, is
+useful for catching the fish or shells without putting your hands into
+the water. A pair of wooden forceps, like a glove-stretcher, will be
+found most convenient for nipping off bits of decaying plants or for
+catching objects that may have accidentally fallen into the water. Glass
+tubes of various sizes are also useful. If you want to catch any small
+object in the water with the tube, place the tube in the water with your
+finger over the hole in the top. Until your finger is removed the tube
+will remain full of air. Place it over the bit of refuse or whatever it
+is you want to catch, remove your finger, and the water will rush in,
+carrying the object with it into the tube, which should then be closed
+at the upper end by placing your finger over it as before. A glass or
+hard-rubber syringe is necessary with which to aerate the water
+thoroughly at least once a day, and oftener if possible. Fill the
+syringe, hold it high above the tank, and then squirt the water back
+again. A long piece of India-rubber tubing which may be used as a siphon
+is necessary for the purpose of changing the water in the tank, when it
+is evident that something has gone wrong.</p>
+
+<p>If a green film begins to gather on the side of the tank that is most
+exposed to the light, it should be cleaned away every day, and the sides
+of the glass polished carefully. A small piece of clean sponge tied on
+the end of a stick will answer the purpose very well, and, if used
+daily, you can keep the glass clear with very little trouble; but if the
+scum is neglected and left to accumulate, you will find it almost
+impossible to remove it from the glass even by hard scouring.</p>
+
+<p>It is best to have only small fish in your aquarium, and for this reason
+trout are not desirable. Although very beautiful and intelligent, they
+grow so rapidly that they are likely to become in a short time too
+unwieldy for your tank. Goldfish and minnows are very good, and the
+common little sunfish or "pumpkin-seed" is excellent.</p>
+
+<p>You must keep careful watch over the fish in your aquarium, and if any
+one of them appears to be sick he should be removed at once, very
+gently, with the hand-net, and placed in fresh water, where he will
+often recover. If, however, the little sufferer is doomed to die, it is
+better not to run the risk of his doing so among his healthy companions.
+It is best always to have a hospital for your sickly pets, and as soon
+as one of them, whether a fish or a bird or any animal, shows signs of
+ill health, he should be taken away from the others and placed by
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>Certain varieties of snails live well in fresh water, and will be found
+useful in clearing away the green film that is almost certain to collect
+on the side of the glass; but you must be careful or they will devour
+your plants as well; and if your tank is very small it is hardly worth
+while to try to keep them.</p>
+
+<p>Water-beetles and water-spiders also thrive well, and their habits are
+most interesting to watch; but water-beetles fly by night, and unless
+you are careful to cover your tank you are likely to discover some
+morning that a number of your tenants have taken French leave.</p>
+
+<p>You must be careful not to overstock your aquarium, for your fish will
+not thrive if they are overcrowded. Remember, also, that heat and dust
+are fatal to your pets. The water must be kept clean and cool at all
+times, and all foreign matter and every particle of decaying vegetation
+should be removed immediately.</p>
+
+<p>To manage an aquarium successfully, no matter on how small a scale,
+requires a good deal of care and time, but you will find it time well
+spent, and the pleasure and knowledge the study of your pets will give
+you will be an ample return for the time you spend on them.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="WHO_CAN_ANSWER" id="WHO_CAN_ANSWER">WHO CAN ANSWER?</a></h2>
+
+<h3>BY GRACE A. CANNON.</h3>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">The question's not a new one, dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">But one that ev'ry day</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Comes to some girls and boys I know</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">While at their work or play.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">My Nanny comes to me at morn,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And with beseeching look,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Asks me if I can tell her where</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">She'll find her slate or book.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">And Teddy comes to me and says,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Sometimes with downcast eye,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">"Mamma dear, won't you please to come</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And help me find my tie?"</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">And Alice, too, comes with a frown</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">When going out for play;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">"Oh dear, mamma, what did I do</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">With my hat yesterday?"</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No hat is found out in the hall;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">The book's not in its case;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No tie is found upstairs to be</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">In its accustomed place.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Now me the reason tell, my dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And quickly, if you can,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Why all these things may not be found</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">By Alice, Ted, or Nan?</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">The question's not a new one, dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">But one that ev'ry day</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">Comes to some girls and boys I know</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">While at their work or play.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1112" id="Page_1112">[Pg 1112]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="ADVENTURES_WITH_FRIEND_PAUL" id="ADVENTURES_WITH_FRIEND_PAUL"></a>
+<img src="images/ill_003.jpg" width="600" height="268" alt="ADVENTURES WITH FRIEND PAUL" />
+</div>
+
+<h3>BY PAUL DU CHAILLU.</h3>
+
+<h3>Part I.</h3>
+
+<p>Dear young folks of <span class="smcap">Harper's Round Table</span>, I have been invited by my
+friend, the Editor, to write for you a series of stories in which I
+shall tell you of some of the adventures that have happened to me in the
+great equatorial forest which begins on the west coast at the sea-shore
+and stretches far to the east on both sides of the equator, adventures
+which I have not told in <i>Stories of the Gorilla Country</i>, <i>Lost in the
+Jungle</i>, <i>Wild Life Under the Equator</i>, <i>My Apingi Kingdom</i>, and <i>The
+Country of the Dwarfs</i>, five books which I wrote especially for you.</p>
+
+<p>During my travels I have had so many strange adventures, I have endured
+so many days of hunger and starvation, I have had so many hair-breadth
+escapes, I have seen so many strange sights, I have met face to face so
+many savage and fierce men and still more savage and dangerous beasts,
+that I could spend days in recounting to you the adventures of my life.</p>
+
+<p>Africa is a wonderful country. There are great sandy deserts, extensive
+ranges of mountains, immense prairies, vast tracts of brushwood, swampy
+lands, great rivers and lakes; but the wonder of that large continent is
+the great equatorial forest I discovered, and which contains so many
+wild animals and interesting tribes of people.</p>
+
+<p>What an immense forest it is&mdash;a sea of trees, if I may use the
+expression! No one knows how wide it is, neither do we know its exact
+length.</p>
+
+<p>What gigantic trees are seen in that forest! Some rival in size the
+great California trees. These are the giants of the forest, and they
+rise two or three hundred feet above the other trees, upon which they
+look down. They are like sentinels watching over the country. Some of
+these big trees are worshipped by the natives. Under the roof of the
+mighty branches is the thick jungle, where no man can penetrate easily.
+The jungle is the undergrowth of the forest. It is made up of younger
+trees: lianas, thorny creepers, kinds of bamboo and rattan, thorny
+trees, sword-grass that cuts like a razor, and aloes plant in the swampy
+parts. In many places the explorer cannot see a yard off from where he
+stands.</p>
+
+<p>What beautiful butterflies and queer insects, rare birds&mdash;some with
+brilliant plumage&mdash;lovely and strange flowers and orchids the traveller
+will meet as he explores this unknown land! Though all alone in that
+great solitude, he will seldom feel lonely, for his mind will be
+occupied all the time.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 466px;">
+<img src="images/ill_004.jpg" width="466" height="500" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">HIDDEN SNAKES THE CHIEF DANGER OF THE FOREST.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>There are also many disagreeable things in the forest. The most
+dangerous, for they are often enemies unseen, are the snakes. There are
+snakes that live chiefly in the water. I used to keep a sharp lookout
+for them when I bathed in the clear little streams which run through the
+woods. There are tree snakes, those who pass a great part of their time
+on trees and feed on squirrels, birds, and monkeys; and also land
+snakes&mdash;that is, snakes that never climb trees and seldom go into the
+water. The biggest of them is the python. Often they are coiled along
+the trunk of a tree waiting to spring upon a passing gazelle. But there
+are so many venomous snakes, it makes me shudder as I think of them with
+their triangular heads. What fangs they have, especially the <i>Clotho
+nasicornis</i>, a thick short snake! Its fangs for all the world look like
+fish bones. In color that snake can hardly be distinguished from the
+ground and dead leaves on which it crawls. It is of great thickness
+round the middle; its head is very huge and hideous, being triangular in
+shape, and having an erect proboscis or born rising from the tip of its
+nose. Besides snakes, there are centipedes, so-called because, I
+suppose, they have about a hundred legs. Their sting is poisonous, and
+in some cases fatal; those that are very dark in color are much dreaded.</p>
+
+<p>Then the scorpions! you find them everywhere, even between the leaves of
+your books!</p>
+
+<p>What narrow escapes I have had with snakes, scorpions, centipedes! I
+wonder sometimes that I am alive to tell of the things I have seen. I
+never used to lie down without looking for these creeping things. You
+think, naturally, that a man's life must be miserable on that account.
+Not at all; one gets accustomed to everything in the world. At last I
+did not mind it at all, I got so used to doing this every day.</p>
+
+<p>There were also many kinds of flies&mdash;called by the natives the mboco,
+ntchoona, the eloway. The mosquitoes will often plague us. We shall meet
+the terrible bashikonay ants. When they spread in the forest, they
+attack every living animal. All flee before them&mdash;gorilla, leopard, and
+elephant.</p>
+
+<p>In that great forest are many tribes of men; some of them wear no
+clothing whatever. These people worship idols, good and evil spirits;
+dread witchcraft, and put to death all those who they think are wizards
+or witches. They are constantly engaged in warfare against each other.
+The most fierce looking of all are the cannibal tribes. How horrid they
+look with their sharp-pointed teeth, which have been made so by being
+filed! What magnificent-looking warriors they are! What brave hunters!
+It was in their country that I shot my first gorilla.</p>
+
+<p>The strangest people I discovered were the dwarfs or pygmies, a race of
+people very diminutive in size. They looked so queer, especially the
+white-headed old folks. None of their houses is more than three feet in
+height. These pygmies, like the monkeys, lived chiefly on the fruits,
+berries, and nuts of the forest; they never cultivated the soil. But
+they knew the use of fire, knew how to trap game and cook their meat.</p>
+
+<p>All these tribes thought Friend Paul was a Moguizic, a supernatural
+being who had come from some part of the sky. Many believed that I had
+descended from the moon, and that I came to see the world and its
+inhabitants. They believed that I could do all kinds of supernatural
+things, and in many tribes where guns were unknown they thought I held
+thunder and lightning in my hands, and when I fired a gun they all fell
+low on the ground.</p>
+
+<p>Highways of communication and roads are unknown in this great dark
+Africa. But there are numerous paths going in every direction, so the
+traveller, if the natives are willing to guide him, can go from the west
+coast to the east coast, and from the Cape of Good Hope to Egypt,
+Morocco, and Algeria, or <i>vice versa</i>, for every village and tribe has
+paths leading towards the other. Often the paths leading from one
+village to another are very difficult to follow, for the jungle is so
+rank; and often they are closed for months on account of wars among
+different tribes.</p>
+
+<p>Such paths you have never seen&mdash;narrow, just wide enough for a man to go
+through the thick jungle. The branches of trees often join together.
+Here a big tree has fallen across the path, and you must either bend
+yourself to pass under it, or climb over it. If you cannot do either,
+then you must go around it. You have to walk over the roots of trees
+until your feet are sore. Sometimes then you fall in the midst of
+sword-grass, or under the canelike bamboos or palms, or have to walk in
+swamps filled with aloes. I still walk in a stooping manner, the result
+of my being obliged to bend constantly under branches of trees, or under
+fallen ones. Often a stream is your only path.</p>
+
+<p>Day after day, my dear young folks, Friend Paul spent travelling in that
+forest without hearing the chatter of a monkey or the shrill cry of a
+parrot. The only noise he could hear was now and then the falling of a
+leaf or the gentle murmur of a little stream wending its way towards
+some big unknown river which he hoped some day to find.</p>
+
+<p>I walked thousands and thousands of miles on foot under its shady trees.
+The foliage was so thick that sometimes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1113" id="Page_1113">[Pg 1113]</a></span> I was several weeks without
+being able to see the sun, the moon, or the stars, for my eyes could not
+penetrate the dense and thick leaves. How glad I was when I came to a
+river or an open space, and could see once more the sun, the moon, and
+the stars! I loved the stars, for without them and the moon I could not
+have known where I was; they showed me the way all through my travels.</p>
+
+<p>Not only had I to travel on foot, but everything I had to take with me
+had to be carried on the backs of men, for no beasts of burden are to be
+found in the big forest. There are no camels, no donkeys, no horses, no
+oxen; and had I taken some with me they would have died of starvation,
+for there were no pastures, and they could not have lived on the
+different leaves of the trees or of the jungle. Besides, they could not
+have gone through the narrow crooked path of the great forest.</p>
+
+<p>Rain falls almost every night for hours, accompanied by such thunder and
+lightning as you have never heard or seen in our country. The claps of
+thunder are so terrific that often they made me jump from my bed of
+leaves. The lightning at times is so vivid that it pierces the foliage
+of the trees; and as to the heavy rain, it often falls like a solid
+sheet of water for hours, and this happens almost every night for nine
+months of the year. After the rainy season comes the dry season&mdash;cold,
+for sometimes the thermometer falls to 66° Fahrenheit. I felt then this
+low temperature very much. Not a drop of rain falls during the dry
+season; but far in the interior, in the mountain regions, it rains
+twelve months of the year, but during three months of that time no
+thunder is heard.</p>
+
+<p>If the men are strange, the beasts roaming in that great forest are
+still more wonderful to behold. The huge elephant roams everywhere on
+its rivers and lakes, the hippopotami are numerous in the sluggish
+streams, and the lakes are filled with crocodiles of huge size. The
+great gorilla, which I discovered, is the terror of the natives, and is
+called by them the Giant of the Forest. The strong man of the woods
+wanders continually in search of fruits, berries, and nuts. When night
+comes he sleeps at the foot of a tree, while his wife, the female
+gorilla, is sleeping on its branches. The gorilla never makes a shelter
+or a house for himself. Those who describe them as making houses mislead
+you. Friend Paul killed many of these gorillas, and was the first white
+man who ever hunted them and saw them in their wild state.</p>
+
+<p>Besides the gorilla, Friend Paul saw several other wonderful kinds of
+man-like apes, also the common chimpanzee, called by the natives
+nshiego. Then he discovered three new species or varieties of the
+chimpanzee family, known to the natives under the names of
+Nshiego-mbouve, apes with bald heads and black faces; the
+Nshiego-nkengo, whose faces always remain yellow; and the Kooloo-kamba.
+All these apes are very shy, and the hunter to approach them has to be
+very wary.</p>
+
+<p>Dear friends, we are to travel together in that great African forest. We
+will carry no tents with us; we will build a new camp every day when we
+are on the march, and we will protect ourselves from the rain by
+building slanting roofs, covered with large leaves put on the top of
+each other as we do with shingles, slates, or tiles at home. We will
+protect ourselves from the wild beasts by burning all night large
+fires&mdash;the wild beasts are afraid of fire. These fires will protect us
+also from snakes and voracious ants.</p>
+
+<p>When we cannot find game we will be hungry together, and, like the
+monkeys, we will have to eat the wild berries, nuts, and fruits of the
+forest. When we cannot find these we will starve together until
+Providence comes to our rescue. At other times, when food is very scarce
+and it becomes a matter of life and death, we will be obliged to eat<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1114" id="Page_1114">[Pg 1114]</a></span>
+snakes, or sometimes leopards. When we have plenty, we will eat
+elephants, hippopotami, crocodiles, buffalo, wild boar, antelope,
+gazelles, and other animals. Often we will feast on monkeys&mdash;these at
+certain times of the year are delicious. Then, when we get into regions
+where no animals are to be seen, and fruits, nuts, and berries cannot be
+found&mdash;then we will drink water, which will help us to keep body and
+soul together. At times we will lie down under some big tree, ill with
+fever or weak from starvation. Then we shall think of the sweet home
+that is so far away, and wonder if we will ever return there again.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="CAPTAIN_HANKS_SUBSTITUTE" id="CAPTAIN_HANKS_SUBSTITUTE">CAPTAIN HANK'S SUBSTITUTE.</a></h2>
+
+<p>Captain Hank of the Life-boat Patrol Service and Jack Hawley were old
+friends. The Captain had been at the station near Jack's house for a
+number of seasons, and when Jack first met him he was such a little chap
+that the Captain called him "Shorty." Jack had grown, however, into a
+strong hearty lad, and his one ambition was to get into the life-boat
+service.</p>
+
+<p>While they were talking one night in the station the sharp ring of the
+telephone bell made all hands glance up anxiously. Captain Hank strode
+over to the receiver.</p>
+
+<p>"Hullo!&mdash;Yes, Captain Hank.&mdash;What is it? Tramp steamer ashore? Yes. How
+many men do you want? Hullo! Yes. Full relief? All right&mdash;send them
+immediately. Good-by.</p>
+
+<p>"Boys, there's a tramp ashore at the lower station; want the full
+relief. Trot along, and get back as soon as you can. There's a nasty sea
+on to-night, and, with the wind right on shore, we might want you."</p>
+
+<p>The men donned their oil-skins and boots, and trotted off down the beach
+to the lower station, some five miles below. The Captain glanced at the
+remaining men, enough to man the life-boat, with the man out on patrol.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a fearful night out, boys," he said.</p>
+
+<p>The words had hardly left his mouth when the door opened and the patrol
+rushed in.</p>
+
+<p>"Three-master ashore on the outer bar, Captain."</p>
+
+<p>Like a flash every man was on his feet and into his oil-skins. Seizing
+the gun-carriage, they rushed it out and down the plank runway to the
+beach. Jack ran along with them, and strained his eyes as the Coston
+signal-light lit up the raging sea and disclosed to view a large
+three-master lying almost on her beam ends. There was a slight
+phosphorescent glow where the mad seas, lashed into foam, broke about
+her, sweeping the decks. Even as he looked two of her masts toppled and
+fell with a crash. On the shrouds of the remaining one a dark group was
+huddled.</p>
+
+<p>Jack's heart thrilled with excitement and pity. Poor fellows! their
+lives must be saved!</p>
+
+<p>The life-saving crew were busy with the gun, and in a few minutes away
+went the shot carrying a delicate line out to the wreck. It fell short
+or the wind drove it back. Again and again they tried it, but without
+success. The wind seemed to carry it to one side.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, boys, trying to rig the breeches buoy," roared the
+Captain; "we've got to man the life-boat, so get on your corks. I'll
+telephone to the lower station to see if I can get any of the boys
+back."</p>
+
+<p>Jack longed to go in the boat, but he knew it was impossible, and,
+sheltered behind it, he watched the black shadow on the bar, and hoped
+they would be in time to save the lives out there. The wind was sweeping
+and screaming with violent force, and the cold spray lashed the beach
+with foam. Jack heard one of the men yell to his neighbor that the
+Captain was a long while, and, thinking he could be of help, he ran back
+to hurry him up.</p>
+
+<p>As he entered the station a low groan greeted him. The Captain lay in
+the middle of the floor, motionless. He had stumbled over some rope in
+his hurry, and broken his arm.</p>
+
+<p>"It's no use, Jack," he moaned; "I can't go out with this arm. We will
+need the six oars in such a sea."</p>
+
+<p>Jack paused. "Captain," he said, "they will launch the boat." And
+catching a heavy oil-skin coat off a peg he rushed down to the beach.
+The men stood waiting, looking out to sea. Without saying a word he
+gripped the boat, and when the right breaker came he gruffly shouted,
+"Now, men," as he had often heard the Captain, and with a strong heave
+and all together they rushed the boat out into the surf and leaped
+aboard.</p>
+
+<p>Jack seized the steering-oar, and before the next wave could swamp them
+they got a grip on the water and successfully mounted it. It was a
+remarkable launch in such a sea, and promised success for their other
+efforts.</p>
+
+<p>They were going right into the teeth of the gale, and the crew rose to
+the work. It was hard work, though. The wind beat them back, tearing at
+their frail craft with fierce tugs, dashing the frozen spray over them
+in sheets. To reach the wreck Jack had to keep off the wind a little,
+and time and time again the boat's head would swing around, and his
+heart would jump as the monstrous waves threatened to swamp her.</p>
+
+<p>His hands were numb with cold and his face frozen with spray. The crew
+bent over their oars. They knew nothing of the change of Captains, and
+when they heard the gruff commands, they may have wondered at the
+boyishness of the tones, but never dreamed who was steering the boat.</p>
+
+<p>They were nearing the ship, and with admirable skill, in keeping with
+his efforts from the start, Jack got up in the lee of the wreck,
+directly under the shrouds to which the group was clinging. Slowly but
+surely, one by one, the men scrambled down the rigging and, when a
+favorable opportunity presented itself, leaped aboard.</p>
+
+<p>There were five men, and as the last came aboard Jack did a neat bit of
+steering that even the brave crew of the life-boat noticed and cheered.
+They left the wreck, and with their backs to the mad wind, they bounded
+over the roaring waves towards the shore.</p>
+
+<p>Jack kept the boat directly in front of the storm, and as they neared
+the surf his command rang out, "Steady!" And then a gigantic wave raised
+them on its crest and, with a swirl and a roar, ran them upon the beach.
+In a trice they ran the boat out of reach of the surf.</p>
+
+<p>In the snug warmth of the station the crew started to cheer the dripping
+Captain in his oil-skins; but when he took off the broad-brimmed hat
+that hid his face and they saw Jack, they were mute. One of them rushed
+to their Captain's bunk, and when he saw the helpless figure of the real
+Captain lying there, he pointed to it and then to Jack.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Hubert Earl</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="UP_IN_A_WATER-SPOUT" id="UP_IN_A_WATER-SPOUT">UP IN A WATER-SPOUT.</a></h2>
+
+<h3>ONE OF THE OLD SAILOR'S YARNS.</h3>
+
+<h3>BY W.&nbsp;J. HENDERSON.</h3>
+
+<p>The Old Sailor sat on the end of the pier, but he was restless and ill
+at ease. He looked often at the southwestern sky, where heavy blue-black
+clouds were massing themselves in low and writhing shapes. He shook his
+head solemnly, rose to his feet, and walked nervously up and down.</p>
+
+<p>"This are the werry identical kind o' day it were," he muttered, "an' ef
+we don't see some on 'em to-day, w'y, I'm a bloomin' marine, that's
+wot."</p>
+
+<p>"See some of what?" inquired a voice behind him; and turning, he saw the
+two boys.</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, waal, waal!" he exclaimed; "you two infants is a-gettin' 'most as
+weatherwise as tree-frogs."</p>
+
+<p>This exclamation was not unnatural, for the two boys were clad in long
+sea-boots, oil-skins, and sou'westers.</p>
+
+<p>"Ye look like a pair o' sunflowers," said the Old Sailor, with
+admiration in his tone, "an' I reckon ye don't worry much about the rain
+wot are a-comin'."</p>
+
+<p>"No; I guess we will not get wet," said Henry, laughing.</p>
+
+<p>"But s'posin'&mdash;now mind I don't go fur to say it'll happen&mdash;but s'posin'
+ye was to go fur to come fur to git carried up aloft."</p>
+
+<p>"What ever do you mean?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"Look down yonder&mdash;quick!" exclaimed the Old Sailor, pointing to the
+southern horizon.</p>
+
+<p>The boys saw an immense blue-black cloud, from which hung down a great
+dark cone. A similar cone, point upward,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1115" id="Page_1115">[Pg 1115]</a></span> rose from the sea, and the two
+were joined by a slender wavering black column.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, what is it?" cried George.</p>
+
+<p>"I know," exclaimed Henry. "It's a water-spout."</p>
+
+<p>"It's going out to sea," ejaculated George.</p>
+
+<p>"Werry good; werry good indeed," said the Old Sailor, sagely; "it
+sartainly are a-goin' out to sea. 'Cos w'y, it can't go on land, 'cos it
+are a water-spout an' not a landspout, w'ich the same there ain't none,
+'ceptin' them on the sides o' houses fur rain to go down, an' them
+mostly leaks."</p>
+
+<p>The three stood and watched the dreaded monster of the sea&mdash;a rare sight
+indeed near shore&mdash;until it passed out of sight.</p>
+
+<p>"It are gone," said the Old Sailor, "an' it 'ain't took nothin' with 't
+'ceptin' wind an' water."</p>
+
+<p>"Do they ever take anything else with them?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"W'ich the same they do," answered the Old Sailor; "an' wot they takes
+ain't never come back but oncet, as I knows on. I knowed we'd see some
+on 'em to-day; 'cos w'y, this are the kind o' day wot breeds 'em, an' it
+are the werry identical kind o' day wot it all happened on."</p>
+
+<p>So saying, the Old Sailor sat down on the end of the pier, and the boys
+seated themselves beside him.</p>
+
+<p>"This 'ere yarn wot I'm a goin' fur to tell ye," began the Old Sailor,
+"are a most ser'ous tale, an' I hopes as how 't won't go fur to give ye
+no nightmare. I were fust mate o' the barkentine <i>Herrin' Bones</i>, bound
+from Rio Janeiro to New York. She were a wall-sided hooker, with double
+to'-gallants, an' a werry disrepitable habit o' goin' to leeward."</p>
+
+<p>"What was her cargo?" asked George.</p>
+
+<p>"I allers tells ye wot the cargo were, my son, but this 'ere wessel
+didn't have no cargo; she were flyin' light, an' preehaps 'twould 'a'
+bin better ef she'd had more ballast aboard. Her Cap'n were Gawge W.
+Smoke, an' her second mate were a long-legged feller from New Orleans,
+named Pierre Crust, an' a werry crusty Pierre he were too. Waal, to git
+right down to the business part o' this 'ere yarn wot I'm a-tellin' ye,
+I'll say that we didn't have nothin' but fair weather an' good
+to'-gallant breezes till we got right up atwixt St. Thomas an' Bermooda,
+an' then it rained an' blowed squalls an' thunder-storms fur two days
+an' nights all round the compass. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he to me,
+sez he, 'It ain't no fittin' weather fur to be buggaluggin' round here.'
+An' sez I to he, sez I, 'It ain't, but here we be, an' we can't fly
+away,' sez I, jess like that, him bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate, an' the
+barkentine bein' the <i>Herrin' Bones</i>. But ef I'd knowed wot were
+a-comin', I'd never said nothin'.</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, them squalls an' thunder-storms kep' a-gettin' thicker an'
+blacker, till byme-by the hull sky all round were jess like it were down
+yonder a leetle while ago. An' Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he allowed that we'd
+best stand by fur water-spouts. Sure 'nuff, 'twere jess about six bells
+in the forenoon watch o' the second day o' this 'ere cantankerous
+weather, w'en the lookout sung out, 'Water-spout on the weather bow!'
+'Fore we had time to look at it another hand sighted one on the lee bow,
+an' some one else seed one on the weather-quarter. In less 'n five
+minutes we sighted seven on 'em to wind'ard an' six to leeward, makin'
+thirteen, w'ich the same that are a werry unlucky number.</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, we clapped on a leetle more sail, hopin' fur to run out o' this
+'ere convention o' water-spouts. But, bless ye! ye might as well 'a'
+tried to git away from a express train by runnin' down the track ahead
+o't. They was comin' down on us at a powerful gait. W'en the biggest one
+were about half a mile away, we could see it whirlin' round an' round
+like a big wheel, an' it roared like Niagarer Falls, w'ich the same ye
+'ain't never seed, but ye see pictures of 'em in your geoggerfy. Pierre
+Crust, our second mate, he got so skeered he jess went an' hid his head
+under a deck bucket. Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he give orders to clew up the
+to'-gallants, so's to stop the vessel, hopin' that the spout'd pass
+ahead on us. But, bless ye! the bloomin', bleedin', blasted thing turned
+out of its course, an' kep' a-comin' right fur us.</p>
+
+<p>"'We're bound for Davy Jones's locker,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez
+he. 'It are a-goin' to break right on top o' us.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Werry good, sir,' sez I. 'Axin' your parmission, I'll put on a
+life-persarver.'</p>
+
+<p>"''Twon't do ye no good,' sez he. 'W'en she breaks on us she'll drive us
+twenty fathom down. Here it comes! Stan' by, all hands, to go under
+hatches.'</p>
+
+<p>"Roarin' like a thunder-storm, an' loomin' over us like a iceberg turned
+black, the water-spout come to the barkentine. We all shut our eyes, an'
+held our breath, an' waited to be buried under a million tons o' water.
+But may I never live to see lobscouse agin ef the bloomin' thing busted
+at all! We felt the ship give a lurch an' a jump, an' then she started
+off at the rate o' thirty knots an hour.</p>
+
+<p>"'Wot are it?' yelled the Cap'n.</p>
+
+<p>"'The water-spout!' I yells back. 'She's picked us up!'"</p>
+
+<p>The Old Sailor paused to gaze around the horizon, and the two boys gazed
+at one another in breathless amazement. In a moment their remarkable
+friend resumed his narrative.</p>
+
+<p>"It weren't no sort o' pickle fur a decent old barkentine to be in, an'
+the <i>Herrin' Bones</i> knowed it, but there she were. She were a-sailin'
+round and round like a chicken with its head off. Her keel were in the
+water o' the spout, an' her masts was a-stickin' out sideways like
+toothpicks out o' old Bill Smorkey's mouth arter dinner. W'y, blow me
+fur a farmer ef I don't b'lieve she'd 'a' fell off the bloomin' thing
+sideways ef it hadn't bin that the wind wot the spout made a-goin' round
+filled the sail she had spread, an' so kep' her up.</p>
+
+<p>"'Clew up the foretops'l!' hollered Pierre Crust.</p>
+
+<p>"'Let it alone,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he. 'D'ye want to fall
+off this 'ere marine buzz-saw an' git drownded?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Stop the ship; we're out o' our course,' sez Tobias Kitten, the
+carpenter, w'ich the same he ort to bin a tailor, 'cos w'y, he didn't
+know no more about a ship nor a feller wot sits cross-legged onto a
+table an' mends pants fur a livin'.</p>
+
+<p>"'Out o' our course!' sez the Cap'n, sez he. 'I wish the bloomin'
+water-spout were out o't.'</p>
+
+<p>"All hands was a-layin' flat on deck, with our feet agin' the lee
+rail&mdash;leastways it ort to bin the lee rail, 'cos it were the one wot
+were down, but it weren't, 'cos the wind were blowin' up, an' things was
+ginerally goin' back end fust, like a Chinese junk in a head-sea.</p>
+
+<p>"'D'ye think she'd right herself ef we cut away the masts?' Cap'n Gawge
+W. Smoke sez he to me.</p>
+
+<p>"'Mebbe she would,' sez I to he; 'but ef she did we'd have water on top
+o' us, an' then good-by.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Then I'm blowed ef I know wot to do with her,' sez he to me, sez he.
+An' me not knowin' wot to say back, I didn't say nothin', but hung on
+with both hands.</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust; 'we're a-goin' up this 'ere dreadful
+thing. Look down!'</p>
+
+<p>"An', sure 'nuff, w'en I looked over the side I seed a ship away down
+below us on the sea, an' her Cap'n were a-lookin' at us through a
+telescup, he were.</p>
+
+<p>"'Salt me down fur a mackerel,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'ef ever I
+thought that any ship o' mine would go fur to turn herself into a
+bloomin' balloon!'</p>
+
+<p>"All the time we was a-sailin' round an' round the spout like it was a
+corkscrew worked by steam, an' we was a-goin' up an' up.</p>
+
+<p>"'I wonder ef there's water 'nuff up there to float the old hooker?' sez
+Pierre Crust.</p>
+
+<p>"'Waal,' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, 'she can't go aground in the clouds,
+anyhow, an' there ain't no rocks either.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Waal,' sez I to he, sez I, 'w'ere d'ye think she will go?'</p>
+
+<p>"An' he jess looks at me fur a minute, an' then sez he, 'Preehaps you'd
+like to get out a chart an' figger out yer position,' sez he to me, him
+bein' Cap'n an' me fust mate.</p>
+
+<p>"All this time the <i>Herrin' Bones</i> were a-sailin' around an' around the
+bloomin' water-spout an' goin' up an' up. Now you know, 'cos you jess
+seed a werry short time ago, that them water-spouts widens out at the
+top till they just spreads right out into the flat clouds. Waal, we all
+commenced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1116" id="Page_1116">[Pg 1116]</a></span> fur to wonder wot'd happen to us ef the <i>Herrin' Bones</i> kep'
+on a-goin' up. Putty soon she beginned fur to lean over so that her deck
+weren't no safe place to stay on, an' then Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke he
+orders all han's fur to go b'low.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 338px;">
+<img src="images/ill_005.jpg" width="338" height="500" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">THE PRECARIOUS POSITION OF THE "HERRIN' BONES."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"'Might as well go to the clouds comf'table,' sez he. We all went b'low
+an' shut all the hatches. Then there weren't nothin' to do 'ceptin' fur
+to wait developments, as the old hen said w'en she sot down on the
+duck's egg. Byme-by the bark were hove over so fur that we was all
+a-settin' on her side, with the decks risin' up like walls on both sides
+of us. We could hear the ballast tumblin' over itself down in the hold,
+an' our stores was mixed up into the werry wust sea-salad wot any one
+ever seed.</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh my! oh my!' sez Pierre Crust, sez he, hidin' his head in a
+cracker-box, 'we're a-goin' to fall out o' the clouds upside down an' be
+all smashed up.'</p>
+
+<p>"He were a werry ostridge sort o' man, he were, 'cos he allers thort as
+how he were out o' danger ef he had his measly old head hid. Howsumever,
+we all thort putty much the same as he did, an' we weren't in no
+partikler humor fur to dance hornpipes about it.</p>
+
+<p>"'She's a gittin' furder over!' yelled Tobias Kitten.</p>
+
+<p>"An' so she were. We couldn't stay on the sides o' her any more, but had
+to sit down on the under sides o' the decks&mdash;wot shore-folks would call
+the ceilin'. An' the furniture in the cabin, bein' screwed fast, were
+all a-hangin' down from overhead.</p>
+
+<p>"'Waal, may I be squilgeed inside an' out with a paint brush,' sez Cap'n
+Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'ef ever I expected fur to be master o' any
+wessel wot were so undecent as to sail on her head.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Tobias Kitten,' sez I, 'slide back the hatch an inch an' tell us what
+ye can see.'</p>
+
+<p>"An' Tobias he laid down flat on his face, slid the hatch back, and
+peaked out. Then he shut it with a bang, an' turned paler'n he were
+afore.</p>
+
+<p>"'S'help me gracious goodness!' sez he; 'yo can't see nothin' 'cept
+white steam.'</p>
+
+<p>"Then we knowed we was up in the clouds fur sure, an' we all felt putty
+ser'ous; 'cos w'y, w'd never bin there afore, an' we didn't know nothin
+about the rules an' regulations o' livin' up there. All on a suddent
+there were a most fearful crash o' thunder.</p>
+
+<p>"'By the great hook block!' sez Cap'n Gawge W. Smoke, sez he, 'we're in
+a thunder-cloud.'</p>
+
+<p>"'An' mebbe w'en it begins for to rain,' sez I, 'we'll git rained down
+to 'arth agin.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Oh my! Oh my!' hollered Pierre Crust, out o' the cracker-box. 'On our
+heads! Oh dear! We're all dead men, sure.'</p>
+
+<p>"Waal, arter that fur half an hour it were not possible fur to carry on
+any werry improvin' conwersation, 'cos w'y, it were a-thunderin' an'
+a-lightnin' an' a-roarin' all around us, sech as no one never heerd
+afore. Then all on a suddent the bloomin' deck dropped right from under
+us, an' we was kinder floatin' around, a-grabbin' right an' left at
+things, all 'ceptin' Pierre Crust, an' he jess kep' his head in the
+cracker-box an' kicked out with his feet.</p>
+
+<p>"'We're a-fallin'! We're a-fallin'!' he yelled.</p>
+
+<p>"An' so we wuz. An' w'ile we wuz a-fallin' I seed the side o' the wessel
+come under me, an' then slide around till the floor o' the cabin were
+under me, an' then&mdash;boom! There were a most awful thump, an' a squash
+like wot ye hear w'en yo throw a stone into a mud-puddle, an' there we
+was."</p>
+
+<p>"Where?" cried both boys.</p>
+
+<p>"In the blessed Atlantic Ocean," said the Old Sailor, solemnly, "about a
+hundred miles this side o' Bermooda. An' Pierre Crust he pulled his head
+out o' the cracker-box an' bounced on deck, an' sez he:</p>
+
+<p>"'Wot was all you men so scared about? Turn to, now, an' get the cloth
+on her, an' we'll make Sandy Hook Light-ship in two days.'</p>
+
+<p>"An' so we did, too. An' w'en we got to New York we read in the papers
+as how the Cap'n o' the ship <i>Beeswax</i> had seen a cur'ous mirage of a
+ship sailin' round an' round a water-spout. But we never could get
+nobody to b'lieve as how 'twere us."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1117" id="Page_1117">[Pg 1117]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2><a name="IN_THE_OLD_HERRICK_HOUSE" id="IN_THE_OLD_HERRICK_HOUSE">IN THE OLD HERRICK HOUSE.</a></h2>
+
+<h3>BY ELLEN DOUGLAS DELAND.</h3>
+
+<h3>CHAPTER III.</h3>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 172px;">
+<img src="images/ill_006.jpg" width="172" height="172" alt="Drop Cap T" />
+</div>
+
+<p>he first week of Valentine's stay passed rapidly. So much of his time
+was occupied in visits to the oculist and in seeing the sights of the
+city that he was not in the house during the greater part of the day.</p>
+
+<p>The Misses Herrick began to fuel some degree of liking for the boy, who,
+though occasionally noisy, was always polite, and he and Elizabeth were
+soon firm friends.</p>
+
+<p>She had carried out her intention of consulting him about the affairs
+which most interested her. She had told him of her longing for their
+father's return and of the letter she had written to him; she had even
+conducted him to the mysterious room.</p>
+
+<p>Her aunts had gone out of town for the afternoon, and Miss Rice was also
+absent. The coast was exceptionally clear, for Marie, who had charge of
+the little girl, was only too ready to neglect her duties.</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth was somewhat disappointed, however, by the effect produced
+upon Valentine by the disclosure of the room, or rather, the lack
+effect. He was apparently not in the least impressed.</p>
+
+<p>He looked about him, inspected the letters, took down a little clock
+from the mantelpiece and examined it, and then walked to the window.</p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Elizabeth, who was impatiently waiting for some expression
+of wonder, "what do you think of it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I don't see anything to make such a fuss over. Just a room, like
+anybody's else."</p>
+
+<p>"But whose was it?"</p>
+
+<p>"Don't know and don't care."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't? Why, I think it is the most exciting thing I ever heard of!"</p>
+
+<p>"If that isn't just like a girl! I suppose Marjorie would go wild over
+it too. But come along down to the garden. I haven't seen the Brady
+family yet, and I believe that is one of the girls down in the alley
+now."</p>
+
+<p>"It is," said Elizabeth, joining him at the window. "It is Eva Louise.
+Very well, we will go down. But I do wish you would be more excited over
+the room."</p>
+
+<p>"It takes a good deal to excite me," replied her guest. "If it were a
+game of football, now, or a bicycle-race, I might get excited; but just
+a room!"</p>
+
+<p>It would be impossible to convey an idea of the lofty scorn expressed by
+Valentine's voice; and much disappointed and feeling somewhat crushed,
+Elizabeth put away the keys. Then getting her hat and warm jacket, for
+the fall days were growing colder, she followed Valentine to the garden,
+and together they went out through the back gate.</p>
+
+<p>It is one of the peculiarities of Philadelphia that small streets known
+as "alleys" intersect the larger thoroughfares, and in many cases behind
+the handsomest houses are small dwellings in which live very poor
+families.</p>
+
+<p>The Herricks' garden occupied a large amount of space, and the alley and
+its inhabitants were almost too far away to be noticeable; but they were
+there, all the same, and here Elizabeth's friends, the Brady family,
+lived in a manner which formed a startling contrast to her own home.</p>
+
+<p>"I have thought of something," exclaimed Elizabeth, stopping short in
+the alley. Eva Louise, seeing them coming, had disappeared behind her
+own back gate. Even in so humble an abode as that of the Bradys it was
+only the back which opened upon the alley.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked Valentine.</p>
+
+<p>"It is about the Bradys," said Elizabeth, standing close to him and
+speaking in a low, mysterious voice that she might not be overheard from
+the other side of the fence. "Don't you think, Val, that it must be very
+hard for those girls to live in such a tiny little house and never to
+have a bit good time? Why, Eva Louise thinks the very nicest thing she
+can do is to play jack-stones on people's door-steps. Just think of it,
+Val, jack-stones! And she told me once that she had never been inside of
+any house, except those in their street that are like their own!"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1118" id="Page_1118">[Pg 1118]</a></span></p>
+
+<p>"Well, what of it? We can't help it; and what is your idea?"</p>
+
+<p>"But we can help it! That is just what I am going to tell you. We can
+invite the Bradys in to see us."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, my eye! What would Aunt Caroline say?"</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth was silent for a minute. She had not thought of that. "I don't
+know," she said, slowly. "I don't suppose Aunt Caroline would like it.
+We will have to give it up."</p>
+
+<p>"No, we won't," returned Val, who was becoming bored with city life and
+longed for excitement of some kind. "Let's have a party to-day while the
+aunts are away. They would never know."</p>
+
+<p>"We might; but I should tell them afterwards, of course. I really
+should, Val."</p>
+
+<p>"Seems to me you are getting pretty particular all of a sudden. How
+about that room that you go to all the time on the sly?"</p>
+
+<p>"That is true. I don't believe that is right. Why didn't you say so
+before, Val? I will tell Aunt Caroline to-night."</p>
+
+<p>"I say," interrupted Valentine, "I've got a dandy idea! Let's ask the
+Brady family over, and take them up to that room! No one will ever know,
+and it would be a jolly lark. I'll open the front door, and the servants
+won't know, either. It will be no end of fun. You go after them now and
+bring them over. You see, if we had them in the other part of the house
+we couldn't keep them out of sight, and the servants would make a fuss."</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth looked doubtful. "I should like to," she said, "but we shall
+have to keep very quiet there, and not disturb the things in the room
+much. It really seems as if we ought to give them a good time, though,
+and when I explain it all to Aunt Caroline I don't believe she will
+mind; do you? At least, not so very much."</p>
+
+<p>"Of course she won't," said Valentine, hopefully, upon whom the scheme
+had taken a strong hold. "Go and get them and bring them around to the
+front door, and I will let you in."</p>
+
+<p>And without giving her time to remonstrate, Val left her and ran up the
+garden walk to the house.</p>
+
+<p>"After all," said Elizabeth to herself, "it can't be a wrong thing to
+do, for it says in the Bible that when people give parties they ought to
+invite all kinds of queer people. I remember perfectly it says to call
+in the lame, the halt, and the blind. I always thought 'call in' was
+such a funny expression, but I am sure it says it somewhere in the
+Bible, and I think it was about that party. Now the Brady family are not
+lame or blind, but perhaps they are halt. I never knew what halt meant,
+and very likely they <i>are</i> halt. Anyhow, I mean to call them in." And
+suiting the action to the word, she raised her voice and called loudly:
+"Eva Louise! Eva Louise!"</p>
+
+<p>Eva Louise had been surveying her neighbors through a hole in the fence
+for some time. She had even caught a word or two of the conversation,
+and had heard her own name mentioned, but she had not understood what it
+was all about. Now, seeing that Elizabeth was alone, she opened the
+gate.</p>
+
+<p>"What do yer want?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Is Bella at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Guess so."</p>
+
+<p>"And Tom?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nope."</p>
+
+<p>"Is Dick?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nope."</p>
+
+<p>"Isn't George?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nope."</p>
+
+<p>"Nor Billy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nope."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, dear me, I am so sorry! Then who is at home?"</p>
+
+<p>"Me an' Bella an' the baby an' ma an', I guess, pop. He's mostly home.
+Pop ain't workin' now, but the boys is. What do yer want?"</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I want to invite you all over to our house. I am sorry the boys
+are not at home." Here Elizabeth paused, somewhat embarrassed. She did
+not care particularly about having "ma" and "pop" Brady. The former was
+inclined to be cross, and there was a disagreeable odor about Mr. Brady
+which it was well to avoid. Elizabeth did not know just what it was, but
+it reminded her of that which was sometimes wafted to her from a corner
+saloon. Clearly it would not do to "call in" Mr. and Mrs. Brady. "Well,"
+she said, with a sudden inspiration, "this is to be a young people's
+party. My brother and I are going to give it. I want to invite you and
+Bella to my house right away."</p>
+
+<p>"To your house?" repeated the wondering Eva Louise.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes. And we will go around outside to Fourth Street. Go get Bella."</p>
+
+<p>So Eva Louise went into the house and informed her astonished family
+that she and Bella were "axed to a party over to Herrickses." Whereupon
+Mrs. Brady promptly seized first one and then the other of her
+daughters, vigorously applied a scrubbing-brush to hands and faces, set
+upon the tangled heads two gaudy hats with lace and flowers, pinned
+together the gaping rent in Bella's frock, and pronounced them ready.</p>
+
+<p>"And mind yer manners," she cautioned. "Act pretty, an' mebbe the
+ladies'll give yer each a present. There's no knowin'."</p>
+
+<p>And then they rejoined Elizabeth in the alley, where she had waited,
+their hearts beating high with hope.</p>
+
+<p>The little group passed out of the alley and around through Spruce
+Street to Fourth Street. A number of people turned and looked at the
+oddly assorted trio walking so soberly along, Elizabeth, in her large
+felt hat and pretty jacket, between Eva Louise and Bella, in their
+tawdry finery and ragged frocks; but Elizabeth was quite unconscious of
+attracting attention.</p>
+
+<p>Her mind was absorbed with a new question which had presented itself.
+She had never heard of a party where the guests were not given some kind
+of refreshment, and she knew of no way in which she could provide it for
+the present occasion.</p>
+
+<p>It would not do to ask the servants for something to eat, neither would
+it be proper to stop and buy what was necessary at the cake-shop while
+her guests were with her. She must consult with Valentine.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 416px;">
+<img src="images/ill_007.jpg" width="416" height="500" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">THE ARRIVAL OF EVA LOUISE AND BELLA.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Her fellow-conspirator was watching for them, and opened the door at
+once.</p>
+
+<p>"Everything is all right," he whispered to Elizabeth. "The cook is busy
+making cake, and the other girls are all chattering, and James has gone
+round to the stable to see the men there. There won't be anybody around
+to see us. We'll take them right up."</p>
+
+<p>"But wait a minute, Val," returned Elizabeth; "I want to ask you
+something. And first I must introduce you. That is the way I have heard
+Aunt Caroline do sometimes. This is my brother, Mr. Valentine Herrick,
+Miss Eva Louise and Miss Bella Brady. Now you know each other and can
+talk. If I had not introduced you, you know, you would not have been
+able to talk at all."</p>
+
+<p>Apparently the introduction did not have the desired effect of promoting
+conversation, for Bella put her finger in her mouth, and Eva Louise
+turned her back upon the company, while Val himself with difficulty
+repressed a laugh.</p>
+
+<p>"Will you please walk into the drawing-room and sit down a minute?" said
+their hostess. "I must speak to my brother, if you will please excuse
+me."</p>
+
+<p>The guests obeyed, and were presently seated upon two of
+great-grandfather Herrick's chairs with the high carved backs, while
+Julius Cćsar from the window-seat stared in astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>"We must give them something to eat, Val," whispered Elizabeth, in the
+hall. "How shall we get it?"</p>
+
+<p>"I will go buy it," returned Val, promptly. "Let's see; have you got any
+money?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes; I have seventy-five cents, and if that isn't enough, I have some
+more in my little bank."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that is enough, with what I've got. You will have to stay in the
+parlor till I get back, so as to let me in," and seizing his cap, he was
+off.</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth rejoined her visitors in the drawing-room and tried to make a
+conversation. Somehow, to talk to the Brady girls had never before been
+so difficult. In the alley there was always so much to say. Now they sat
+stiffly and straight upon their chairs, and their faces looked
+preternaturally<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1119" id="Page_1119">[Pg 1119]</a></span> solemn. There was silence in the room for a few
+minutes, and Julius came and rubbed himself against Elizabeth's feet.
+This suggested a topic.</p>
+
+<p>"Do you like cats?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said Bella.</p>
+
+<p>"Nope," said Eva Louise, simultaneously.</p>
+
+<p>There was another pause.</p>
+
+<p>"It is a very nice day to-day."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," they both replied.</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth thought deeply for several minutes. What could she say next?</p>
+
+<p>"Are you at all halt?" she asked, presently.</p>
+
+<p>The Misses Brady merely stared.</p>
+
+<p>"Are you at all halt?" she repeated.</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I guess so," answered Bella, who, though doubtful, thought it
+polite to agree.</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that is a good thing," said Elizabeth, in a relieved tone. "I did
+not exactly know, you know, so I thought I had better ask. I am very
+glad you are halt. That makes it all right. And there is my brother come
+back. I will go and let him in, and then we will go up to the party."</p>
+
+<p>Valentine returned laden with oddly shaped packages, and the four
+ascended the stairs together.</p>
+
+<p>"It's a dandy old feast I've got," whispered the boy; "all the things
+that look so good, but you never have at home. We shall need some
+plates, though. I'll put these bundles down at the door, and while you
+are getting the keys I'll run down to the dining-room for the plates."</p>
+
+<p>He came back in a short time with a pile of Miss Herrick's best china,
+the plates which were used for the salad course when she gave a dinner;
+and Elizabeth having procured the keys, they entered the room. The
+guests were still under the spell of silence. Being invited to remove
+their hats, they did so and laid them on the bed. Then they gazed at the
+floor.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall we do?" said Elizabeth to Val, in an under-tone. She had
+never before realized what hard work it was to give a party.</p>
+
+<p>"Let's begin on the grub," suggested her brother, whose appetite was
+sharpened by the thought of the cake-shop dainties which could never be
+enjoyed at home.</p>
+
+<p>This seemed to be the best thing to do under existing circumstances, and
+Elizabeth removed the few articles which were on the table, and Val
+lifted it over to the centre of the room. A towel was spread over it for
+a table-cloth, the plates were set thereon, and then Val opened his
+packages and proudly placed the contents upon the plates.</p>
+
+<p>There was a half pie, presumably custard, four large cocoanut balls,
+four sour-balls, four huge doughnuts, four buns (generously speckled
+with currants), and, crowning delicacy, a paper box of vanilla
+ice-cream.</p>
+
+<p>Valentine made another raid upon the dining-room, and returned with
+forks, knives, and spoons, announcing that he had barely escaped meeting
+James, who was on his way up the back stairs just as Val left the
+pantry.</p>
+
+<p>The guests were then invited to draw up their chairs, which they did
+with an alacrity that was most encouraging.</p>
+
+<p>"I wonder if 'halt' means hungry?" thought Elizabeth. "I shouldn't
+wonder if it did."</p>
+
+<p>She politely ignored the fact that both visitors scorned the assistance
+of forks in eating the pie, and devoted herself to removing currants
+from a bun. Somehow it did not seem an appetizing feast to her, but
+Valentine and the Brady girls were enjoying it, and that was all that
+was necessary.</p>
+
+<p>At last the repast was over, the final course, consisting of a
+sour-ball, which so protruded the cheek of each member of the party that
+speech was for a time impossible, and then Elizabeth wondered what they
+should do next.</p>
+
+<p>"Suppose we play a game," suggested Val, as soon as he could speak.</p>
+
+<p>"So we will," agreed Elizabeth. "What shall it be? Eva Louise, do you
+know any nice games?"</p>
+
+<p>"Nope."</p>
+
+<p>"Do you, Bella?"</p>
+
+<p>"Jack-stones."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh yes, jack-stones. Well, we haven't got any."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, we have, too. I brung 'em."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, did you?"</p>
+
+<p>Apparently there was no help for it. Elizabeth despised jack-stones,
+which hurt her knuckles, and which she never could catch; but one must
+be polite in one's own house.</p>
+
+<p>"I say, you are funny ones!" said Val, who had thoroughly enjoyed his
+luncheon, and had now time to grasp the situation. Elizabeth's company
+manners amused him extremely, and the whole thing was "no end of a
+lark," as he expressed it.</p>
+
+<p>"Why don't you play something you don't play at home?" he asked. "Let's
+try 'Fish, flesh, or fowl,' or 'When I was in Spain,' or some other nice
+game?"</p>
+
+<p>Bella said nothing, but Eva Louise at last found her voice.</p>
+
+<p>"Ef we don't play jack-stones, we ain't agoin' to play nuthin'. We're
+agoin' home."</p>
+
+<p>Bella here nudged her sister's elbow.</p>
+
+<p>"We ain't agoin' home till we get our presents. Yer know what ma said."</p>
+
+<p>This aside was so plainly audible to the host and hostess, that
+Elizabeth looked shocked, but Val roared with laughter.</p>
+
+<p>"Very well," said Elizabeth; "we will play jack-stones."</p>
+
+<p>But at the first throw Val, in the exuberance of his feelings, tossed
+them so high that one landed on the table, right in the centre of one of
+Miss Herrick's delicate china plates, breaking it squarely in two.</p>
+
+<p>"My eye!" exclaimed the boy. "What have I done?"</p>
+
+<p>"Jack-stones are a hateful game, anyhow," cried Elizabeth, whose dismay
+caused her to forget her manners. "I don't know what Aunt Caroline will
+say. It is all your fault, Eva Louise, that Val broke the plate, for you
+made us play jack-stones."</p>
+
+<p>"'Tain't, neither," returned Eva Louise, with asperity. "No one didn't
+tell him to throw the jack up there. An' ef this is what yer call a
+party, I don't think much of it. We hev as good pie as that at home, an'
+we can get ice-cream o' the ice-cream man any day he comes round. I say,
+Bella, let us go home."</p>
+
+<p>But Bella still held back. Elizabeth looked at them for a moment in
+silent wrath, and then her feelings found words.</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I should be very glad indeed if you did go home. I think you are
+very rude girls. And I never knew you had ice-cream whenever you wanted
+it, and all those nice things."</p>
+
+<p>"No more we do," interposed Bella; "leastways, I never seen it. Eva
+Louise was makin' that up, I guess."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, was she? Then she tells stories, does she? I don't want to have
+anything more to do with you. You are very, <i>very</i> rude girls, and I am
+sorry I invited you to the party. I only asked you because you were
+halt."</p>
+
+<p>"I dun'no' what yer talkin' about," replied Eva Louise, as she put on
+her hat; "only I guess yer'd better not name me no names, or I'll hev
+yer 'rested. Halt! I ain't no halt;" and with her head held high as she
+proudly sniffed the air, she walked from the room. Bella still lingered.</p>
+
+<p>"Don't yer give no presents at yer party?" she asked.</p>
+
+<p>Elizabeth had already begun to repent of her hasty speech. She feared
+that she had been rude, and she felt that she must make amends.</p>
+
+<p>"Wait a minute," she said, flying up the short flight of stairs which
+led to her own room.</p>
+
+<p>Eva Louise delayed her departure, and Bella looked more hopeful.
+Valentine hovered in the background, wondering what was going to happen
+next.</p>
+
+<p>Presently Elizabeth returned. In one hand she held a silver calendar
+which had ornamented her desk, in the other a handsomely bound book.</p>
+
+<p>"These are all I can find," she said, bestowing one upon either guest.
+"You see, I have to give you things that are really my own, and not Aunt
+Caroline's or Aunt Rebecca's. Val, we will go down with them to the
+front door."</p>
+
+<p>The little procession in silence descended the two long double flights
+of stairs. The front door was opened for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1120" id="Page_1120">[Pg 1120]</a></span> them, and the two visitors
+were about to depart, one carrying the silver calendar, which flashed
+gayly in a ray of sunlight, the other holding the large red-covered
+book.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by!" they said, cheerfully, feeling mollified by the presents.</p>
+
+<p>"Good-by," returned Val and Elizabeth.</p>
+
+<p>And even as they spoke a carriage drew up at the door, and from it
+stepped Miss Herrick. She paused in astonishment, and looked at the two
+strange figures emerging from her own front door, and at the two
+frightened faces in the hall beyond.</p>
+
+<p>"What does this mean?" she asked, as she swept by them into the house
+and the door was closed.</p>
+
+<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="THE_AMERICAN_NIGHTS_ENTERTAINMENTS" id="THE_AMERICAN_NIGHTS_ENTERTAINMENTS">THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.</a></h2>
+
+<h3>THE AMUSEMENT CLUB.</h3>
+
+<h3>BY EMMA J. GRAY.</h3>
+
+<p>The sun was setting one afternoon in late September. The deep blue sky
+was dappled with rosy golden and white clouds, but a glance at the
+brown-stone houses opposite revealed the unhappy thought that we were
+once again in our old town-house. I tried to imagine I was mistaken;
+that the lapse of summer-time had never been; that, indeed, all the
+happy vacation had not drifted by; that the moss-grown bridges,
+low-hanging branches, and piny woods were yet to come; that I must be
+asleep and having a horrible nightmare.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_008.jpg" width="400" height="320" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>But, "Amy! Amy! Where are you?" woke up my foolish reverie, and "Will
+and I have been hunting all over for you!" were the half-annoyed words
+which followed, as my friend Irene Sloane and her brother stood before
+me in our second-floor front room.</p>
+
+<p>Irene was my most intimate friend; it was rare when a day passed without
+her being in my house or I in hers. Therefore the absence of ceremony in
+the hunt she had just made. Her brother, too, I had known always, and
+now that they had rushed in&mdash;for rushed is the only way to describe
+their entrance, so excited and all of a flutter they seemed&mdash;I forgot
+all about my foolish dreaming, and exclaimed, "Do sit down both of you,
+and tell what's up!"</p>
+
+<p>But Irene was too excited to sit down; she had come to tell a "splendid
+plan. And don't you think so, Will?" and it was "Mamma's idea," and much
+more of a similar purport, until Will, who had taken a chair, hastily
+rose, and with a most sober face and energetic manner, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"Irene, what's the use of beating about the bush any longer? Tell Amy
+all about it, and then she'll have a chance to have her say too."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, the plan is to form an Amusement Club. It will seem awfully
+stupid to be at home after all our fun last summer. Don't you think so?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly I do, for I was thinking just before you came that we'd
+gotten back to hardtack sure enough; there seems nothing to look forward
+to but books and study."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, hardtack fiddlestick! I'm ashamed of you both," interjected Will;
+"though I'm willing to admit," the boy continued, with a deep sigh, "it
+does come awfully hard to study after such a long loaf. But this
+Amusement Club will fix us up fine; it will give no end of jolly times,
+for, only think, we'll all meet once a week, or once a fortnight, and
+that will be amusement enough for one evening."</p>
+
+<p>"Do explain it, Will. I can't make any sense out of what you are trying
+to tell me."</p>
+
+<p>"Mamma will explain, for she said she would take charge of the first
+meeting."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," interrupted Irene, and then excitedly tossing her two long braids
+back, "the first meeting is to be at our house next Saturday afternoon
+at three o'clock. What do you think of that for a starter?"</p>
+
+<p>"All right; only where do I come in? You haven't asked me yet?"</p>
+
+<p>"Aren't you ashamed to talk so, Amy De Nyse, when you know that not only
+are you expected to come, but to help Will and me invite all the other
+girls and boys?"</p>
+
+<p>"Which way could we invite them the easiest? And do you think you'd tell
+what they were invited for, or surprise them?"</p>
+
+<p>"I say, surprise them. Don't you, Will?" And Irene looked questioningly
+toward her brother; and as he nodded his head she continued, "But I'd
+tell them it's important and a secret."</p>
+
+<p>"Good! people are sure to be on hand if there's a secret around."</p>
+
+<p>"And as to the way of inviting them," Will said, "the best way would be
+to make a list of names, and then cut them apart, each take an equal
+number&mdash;or I don't care if I take one or two extra."</p>
+
+<p>"And you know what mamma said," his sister replied; "not to invite too
+many for the first meeting."</p>
+
+<p>"Now what do you think of the prospect, Amy?"</p>
+
+<p>"Capital! I've heard so much about clubs, that I've been wanting to join
+one for a long time."</p>
+
+<p>"And I too," exclaimed Irene.</p>
+
+<p>"An athletic club, you refer to, I suppose, running-matches, etc.," said
+mischievous Will as he pulled his sister's long braid, for he was a
+great tease, and knew that both Amy and Irene had lost at a
+running-match during the summer, and indeed they were anything else but
+athletes, taking far too kindly to hammocks, and lounging around
+generally.</p>
+
+<p>And after a little more merry conversation, in which "vacation" and
+"club" were prominent words, the brother and sister took their
+departure.</p>
+
+<p>Thus it was that the following Saturday afternoon found twenty jolly
+girls and boys seated in Irene Sloane's library. And what a chattering!
+Magpies were silent by contrast. Indeed, it was more like a riot than a
+meeting until Mrs. Sloane entered, when, presto! what a change! Not that
+she was feared, however, for, on the contrary, she was greatly beloved
+by all of her children's friends. It was only that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1121" id="Page_1121">[Pg 1121]</a></span> the children were
+half awed, being so full of expectation, anticipating they knew not
+what, and also because the sudden presence of an older person always
+does result in changing the atmosphere of a room.</p>
+
+<p>A few moments after the cordial greetings were extended Mrs. Sloane
+explained the purpose of their meeting.</p>
+
+<p>For example, several of them had returned from vacation with scores of
+new ideas on the subject of entertaining; many new games and amusements
+had been learned. Now why not help others by teaching these. That each
+member, in fact, must pledge himself or herself to advance the cause of
+amusement by teaching a new game, charade, or something pertaining to
+entertainment once a month. And with that point in view, everybody must
+keep wide awake, and on the constant lookout. Also establish a habit of
+getting up novel entertainment and inventing games. Remember, somebody
+originated every game known.</p>
+
+<p>By being members of this club, each person would also receive help as to
+the management of business meetings, for, in the main, every business
+meeting was conducted in a similar manner, and as many middle-aged
+people did not understand even the ordinary duties of chairman, they
+could not do better than learn when young.</p>
+
+<p>One of the boys interrupted by inquiring if they might come to her for
+advice if they were in a quandary.</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly; any time," was the assured answer; "but I know I can trust
+everybody here to help one another;" and Mrs. Sloane looked thoughtfully
+around. "Indeed, I am confident you will all take so much pleasure out
+of this organization that you will wonder you had not started an
+amusement club before. You will be too proud to have failure;" and then,
+with a cordial smile, added, "you have too good comradeship to have
+discord."</p>
+
+<p>"Before we proceed to the election of officers, I wish to say I will
+stay in the chair this afternoon until about the time to adjourn, when
+your president will assume his position, and hereafter he will always be
+in charge of each meeting, unless necessarily absent, in which event the
+vice-president will act in his stead." Then, with a pleasant look around
+on all the upturned faces, Mrs. Sloane said, "We are now ready for the
+nominations for president."</p>
+
+<p>Several names were promptly mentioned, and as none of the nominees
+declined, they were voted upon by ballot. Mrs. Sloane named three boys
+to distribute and afterwards count the ballots.</p>
+
+<p>The ballot papers were very small, about three inches one way and two
+the other, and as they had been prepared beforehand, there was no
+hinderance. Therefore it was but the work of a few minutes to distribute
+a paper to each person, on which every one immediately wrote the name
+preferred. The ballots were then collected and counted; each nominee
+received some votes, but the largest number being for Will Sloane, he
+was announced as president. Whereupon one of the club immediately rose
+and said, "I move the vote to be made unanimous." This being seconded,
+Will Sloane's name was called amidst cheers, claps, and huzzahs, for the
+excitement was now too great for the children to keep altogether quiet.</p>
+
+<p>After this there followed the elections of vice-president, secretary,
+and treasurer, all being elected in a similar manner.</p>
+
+<p>There was also a board of directors added, consisting of eight people
+and the president. This board Mrs. Sloane selected, and of the eight
+named five were girls; the duty of the board being to talk over various
+questions affecting club work; for example, how money could be expended,
+whether entertainment would be given for charity&mdash;indeed, all matters of
+import. After such discussions by the board, the matter would be
+presented by one of its members at the first regular club meeting, and
+there acted upon.</p>
+
+<p>It was decided to hold the meetings every second Saturday evening at
+seven o'clock, and that no meeting could extend beyond one hour and a
+half; that the chairman would open the meetings promptly, and that
+twelve people would constitute a quorum. And any matter by them decided
+must be acceded to by the entire club.</p>
+
+<p>That the fee would be ten cents a week, paid regularly. That they should
+have more members; but Mrs. Sloane advised the number should be limited
+to thirty, as too great a number would be difficult to control.</p>
+
+<p>The duty of the treasurer would be to receive and keep a correct account
+of the reception and disbursement of money, and that he should give a
+report of the same at the first meeting of each month.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 336px;">
+<img src="images/ill_009.jpg" width="336" height="500" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The secretary should enroll the names and residences of the officers and
+members; he should write the minutes of each meeting, and read them at
+the following one.</p>
+
+<p>The order of conducting the meeting would be:</p>
+
+<p>Calling to Order; Secretary's Report; Treasurer's Report; Unfinished
+Business; New Business; Adjournment.</p>
+
+<p>As Mrs. Sloane now thought that the children were taxed enough for one
+day, and that they would enjoy an after-talk by themselves, she thanked
+the club for their courtesy, and with a most gracious smile towards her
+son, added, "I now have the pleasure of conducting you to the chair."</p>
+
+<p>This said, she stepped one side. He pleasantly bowed, and took the place
+made vacant by his mother.</p>
+
+<p>No sooner had she retired than Mrs. Sloane laughingly said, "I move we
+adjourn."</p>
+
+<p>When at once Amy De Nyse, who had been unusually quiet, jumped to her
+feet. "Before that motion is seconded, I move a vote of thanks to Mrs.
+Sloane," and she was about to add, "for her patience and goodness to us
+this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1122" id="Page_1122">[Pg 1122]</a></span> afternoon," but her voice was drowned in the hearty ringing voices
+of the happy children who had now informally gathered about their
+leader, and each one thanked her warmly and heartily over and yet over
+again. And then were heard such expressions as, "You'll have to come to
+all of our entertainments," "Won't we have jolly fun practising the
+different charades, tableaux, and games?" and "When we get money enough,
+perhaps we can have a regular club-room, with a platform, curtain, and
+scenery."</p>
+
+<p>And that thought proved the inspiration for another and yet another,
+until one of the boys reached a grand climax by waving a handkerchief
+over his head and shouting: "I have a scheme. Let us get up specialties,
+and make a charge to show them. Why, this club may make us all rich
+yet!"</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<p>Out on Long Island there is to-day an exceedingly angry farmer. He can
+usually be found nursing his wrath on the top of a rail-fence near his
+barn an hour before sunset. His big jack-knife digs deeply into the
+piece of wood it is whittling as the farmer emphasizes his wrath.</p>
+
+<p>"Talk about the benefit newspapers are to the country&mdash;bah!" he
+exclaims. "The other night I had all my chickens stole 'cept two, and
+that old town paper recorded it in big type, and let the whole country
+know about it in less than no time. What do you suppose the result was,
+eh? Why, the thieves that took them chicks thought they got them all,
+and when they read in the paper that two was left behind, what did they
+do but come around the very next night when I never expected them, and
+they took the other two. I don't see much use for newspapers that tells
+everything a thief wants to know."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="THE_GREAT_SEAL_OF_ENGLAND" id="THE_GREAT_SEAL_OF_ENGLAND">THE GREAT SEAL OF ENGLAND.</a></h2>
+
+<p>Many people doubtless know that upon the accession of a new monarch to
+the throne of England a new Seal is struck, and the old one is cut into
+four pieces and deposited in the Tower of London. In former times the
+fragments of these great Seals were distributed among certain poor
+people of religious houses. When her Majesty Queen Victoria ascended the
+throne of England, the late Benjamin Wyon, R.A., the chief engraver of
+her Majesty's Mint, designed the beautiful work of the present Great
+Seal of England. The details of the design are: obverse, an equestrian
+figure of the Queen attended by a page, her Majesty wearing over a habit
+a flowing and sumptuous robe, and a collar of the Order of the Garter.
+In her right hand she bears the sceptre, and on her head is placed a
+regal tiara. The attendant page, with his bonnet in his hand, looks up
+to the Queen, who is gracefully restraining the impatient charger, which
+is richly decorated with plumes and trappings. The legend "Victoria Dei
+Gratia Britainniarum Regina, Fidei Defensor," is engraved in Gothic
+letters, the spaces between the words being filled with heraldic roses.
+The reverse side of the Seal shows the Queen, royally robed and crowned,
+holding in her right hand the sceptre, and in her left the orb, seated
+upon a throne beneath a niched Gothic canopy; on each side is a figure
+of Justice and Religion; and in the exergue the royal arms and crown,
+the whole encircled by a wreath or border of oak and roses.</p>
+
+<p>The Seal itself is a silver mould in two parts, technically called a
+pair of dies. When an impression is to be taken or cast, the parts are
+closed to receive the melted wax, which is poured through an opening at
+the top of the Seal. As each impression is attached to a document by a
+ribbon or slip of parchment, its ends are put into the Seal before the
+wax is poured in, so that when the hard impression is taken from the
+dies the ribbon or parchment is neatly affixed to it. The impression of
+the Seal is six inches in diameter and three-fourths of an inch in
+thickness. The Great Seals of England are interesting from their bearing
+portraits of the sovereigns, as in the Seals of Offa and Ethelwolf, and
+that of Edgar with a bust in profile. After William I. all the Kings are
+on one side on horseback, the face turned to the right, except that of
+Charles I., which is turned to the left. Edward IV. first carries the
+close crown; Edward the Confessor and Henry I. and Henry II. are seated
+with the sword and dove. Wax was not uniformly used for Seals, as
+impressions occur in gold, silver, and lead, also in various other
+substances. The colors have varied, but red appears to have been the
+most ancient.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2><a name="THE_VOYAGE_OF_THE_RATTLETRAP" id="THE_VOYAGE_OF_THE_RATTLETRAP">THE VOYAGE OF THE "RATTLETRAP."</a></h2>
+
+<h3>BY HAYDEN CARRUTH.</h3>
+
+<h3>VI.</h3>
+
+<p>Besides the cactus, another form of vegetation which began to attract
+more and more of Ollie's attention was the red tumbleweed. Indeed, Jack
+and I found ourselves interested in it also. The ordinary tumbleweed,
+green when growing, and gray when tumbling, had long been familiar to
+us, but the red variety was new. The old kind which we knew seldom grew
+more than two feet in diameter; it was usually almost exactly round, and
+with its finely branched limbs, was almost as solid as a big sponge, and
+when its short stem broke off at the top of the ground in the fall it
+would go bounding away across the prairie for miles. The red sort seemed
+to be much the same, except for its color and size. We saw many six or
+seven feet, perhaps more, in diameter, though they were rather flat, and
+not probably over three or four feet high.</p>
+
+<p>The first one we saw was on edge, and going at a great rate across the
+prairie, bounding high into the air, and acting as if it had quite gone
+crazy, as there was a strong wind blowing.</p>
+
+<p>"Look at that overgrown red tumbleweed!" exclaimed Jack. "I never saw
+anything like <i>that</i> before. Jump on the pony, Ollie, and catch the
+varmint and bring it back here!"</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 378px;">
+<img src="images/ill_010.jpg" width="378" height="400" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">OLLIE AND THE TUMBLEWEED.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Ollie was willing enough to do this, and the pony was willing enough to
+go, so off they went. I think if the weed had had a fair field that
+Ollie would never have overtaken it, but it got caught in the long grass
+occasionally, and he soon came up to it. But the pony was not used to
+tumbleweed-coursing, and shied off with a startled snort. Ollie brought
+her about and made another attempt. But again the frightened pony ran
+around it. Half a dozen times this was repeated. At last she happened to
+dash around it on the wrong side just as it bounded into the air before
+the wind. It struck both horse and rider like a big dry-land wave, and
+Ollie seized it. If the poor pony had been frightened before, she was
+now terror-stricken, and gave a jump like a tiger, and shot away faster
+than we had ever seen her run before. Ollie had lost control of her, and
+could only cling to the saddle with one hand and hold to the big
+blundering weed with the other. Fortunately the pony ran toward the
+wagon. As they came up we could see little but tumbleweed and pony legs,
+and it looked like nothing so much as a hay-stack running away on its
+own legs. When the pony came up to the wagon, she stopped so suddenly
+that Ollie went over her head. But he still clung to the weed, and
+struck the ground inside of it. He jumped up, still in the weed, so that
+it now looked like a hay-stack on two legs. We pulled him out of it, and
+found him none the worse for his adventure. But he was a little
+frightened, and said:</p>
+
+<p>"I don't think I'll chase those things again, Uncle Jack&mdash;not with that
+pony."</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, that's all right, Ollie," said Jack. "I'm going to organize the
+Nebraska Cross-Country Tumbleweed Club, and you'll want to come to the
+meets. We'll give the weed one minute start, and the first man that
+catches it will get a prize of&mdash;of a watermelon, for instance."</p>
+
+<p>"Well, I think I'll take another horse before I try it," returned Ollie.</p>
+
+<p>"Might try Old Browny," I said. "If he ever came up to a tumbleweed he
+would lie right down on it and go to sleep."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, and Blacky would hold it with one foot and eat it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1123" id="Page_1123">[Pg 1123]</a></span> up," said Jack.
+"Unless he took a notion to turn around and kick it out of existence."</p>
+
+<p>We looked the queer plant over carefully, and found it so closely
+branched that it was impossible to see into it more than a few inches.
+The branches were tough and elastic, and when it was tossed up it would
+rebound from the ground several inches. But it was as light as a thistle
+ball, and when we turned it loose it rolled away across the prairie
+again as if nothing had happened.</p>
+
+<p>"They're bad things sometimes when there is a prairie fire," said Jack.
+"No matter how wide the fire-break may be, a blazing tumbleweed will
+often roll across it, and set fire to the grass beyond. They've been
+known to leap over streams of considerable width, too, or fall in the
+water and float across, still blazing. Two years ago the town of
+Frontenac was burned up by a tumbleweed, though the citizens had made an
+approved fire-break by ploughing two circles of furrows around their
+village and burning off the grass between them. These big red ones must
+be worse than the others. I believe," he went on, "that tumbleweeds
+might be used to carry messages, like carrier-pigeons. The next one we
+come across we'll try it."</p>
+
+<p>That afternoon we caught a fine specimen, and Jack securely fastened
+this message to it and turned it adrift:</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>"Schooner Rattletrap, September &mdash;, 188-: Latitude, 42.50;
+Longitude, 99.35. To Whom it may Concern: From Prairie Flower,
+bound for Deadwood. All well except Old Blacky, who has an
+appetite."</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The night after our stop by the unfinished house we again camped on the
+open prairie, a quarter of a mile from a settler's house, where we got
+water for the horses. This house was really a "dugout," being more of a
+cellar than a house. It was built in the side of a little bank, the back
+of the sod roof level with the ground, and the front but two or three
+feet above it.</p>
+
+<p>"I'd be afraid, if I were living in it, that a heavy rain in the night
+might fill it up, and float the bed-stead, and bump my nose on the
+ceiling," said Jack.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 379px;">
+<img src="images/ill_011.jpg" width="379" height="400" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">"CARRYING EVERYTHING THAT WAS LOOSE BEFORE IT."</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>It had been a warm afternoon, but when we went to bed it was cooler,
+though there was no wind stirring. The smoke of our camp-fire went
+straight up. There was no moon, but the sky was clear, and we remarked
+that we had not seen the stars look so bright any night before. The
+front of our wagon stood toward the northwest. We went to bed, but at
+two o'clock we were awakened by a most violent shaking of the cover. The
+wind was blowing a gale, and the whole top seemed about to be going by
+the board. We scrambled up, and I heard Jack's voice calling for me to
+come out. The cover bows were bent far over, and the canvas pressed in
+on the side to the southwest till it seemed as if it must burst. The
+front end of the top had gone out and was cracking in the wind. I crept
+forward, and as I did so I felt the wagon rise up on the windward side
+and bump back on the ground. I concluded we were doomed to a wreck, and
+called to Ollie to get out as fast as he could. I supposed a hard storm
+had struck us, but as I went over the dashboard I was astonished to see
+the stars shining as brightly as ever in the deep, dark sky. Jack was
+clinging to the rear wagon wheel on the windward side, which was all
+that had saved it from capsizing. He called to me to take hold of the
+tongue and steer the craft around with the stern to the gale. I did so,
+while he turned on the wheel. As it came around, the loose sides of the
+cover began to flutter and crack, while the puckering-string gave way,
+and the wind swept through the wagon, carrying everything that was loose
+before it, including Ollie, who was just getting over the dashboard. He
+was not hurt, but just then we heard a most pitiful yelping, as Jack's
+blankets and pillow went rolling away from where the wagon had stood. It
+was Snoozer going with them. The yelping disappeared in the darkness,
+and we heard frying-pans, tin plates, and other camp articles clattering
+away with the rest. The Rattletrap itself had tried to run before the
+gale, but I had put on the brake and stopped it. The three of us then
+crouched in front of it, and waited for the wind to blow itself out. We
+could see or hear nothing of the horses. There was not a cloud in sight,
+and the stars still shone down calmly and unruffled, while the wind cut
+and hissed through the long prairie grass all about us. It kept up for
+about ten minutes, when it began to stop as suddenly as it had begun. In
+twenty minutes there was nothing but a cool, gentle breeze coming out of
+the southwest. We lit the lantern and tried to gather up our things, but
+soon realized that we could not do much that night. We found the
+unfortunate Snoozer crouched in a little depression which was perhaps an
+old buffalo wallow, but could see nothing of the horses. We concluded to
+go to bed and wait for morning.</p>
+
+<p>When it came we found our things scattered for over a quarter of a mile.
+We recovered everything, though the wagon-seat was broken. The horses
+had come back, so we could not tell how far they had gone before the
+wind.</p>
+
+<p>"I've read about those night winds on the plains," said Jack, "and we'll
+look out for 'em in the future. We'll put an anchor on Snoozer at
+least."</p>
+
+<p>This intelligent animal had not forgotten his night's experience, and
+stuck closely in the wagon, where he even insisted on taking his
+breakfast.</p>
+
+<p>The road we were following was gradually drawing closer to the Niobrara,
+and we began to see scattering pine-trees, stunted and broken, along the
+heads of the cańons or ravines leading down to the river. There was less
+sand, and we made better progress. The country was but little settled,
+and game was more plentiful. We got two or three grouse. We went into
+camp at night at the head of what appeared to be a large cańon, under a
+tempest-tossed old pine-tree, through which the wind constantly sighed.
+There was no water, but we counted on getting it down the cańon. A man
+went by on horseback, driving some cattle, who told us that we would
+find a spring down about half a mile.</p>
+
+<p>"Can we get any hay down there?" I asked him. "We're out of feed for the
+horses, and the grass seems pretty poor here."</p>
+
+<p>"Down a mile beyond the spring I have a dozen stacks," answered the man,
+"and you're welcome to all you can bring up on your pony. Just go down
+and help yourselves."</p>
+
+<p>We thanked him and he went on. As soon as we could we started down. It
+was beginning to get dark, and grew darker rapidly as we went down the
+ravine, as its sides were high and the trees soon became numerous. There
+was no road, nothing but a mere cattle-path, steep and stony in many
+places. We found the spring and watered all the horses, left Blacky and
+Browny, and went on after the hay with the pony, Jack leading her, and
+Ollie and I walking ahead with the lantern. It seemed a long way as we
+stumbled along in the darkness, all the time down hill.</p>
+
+<p>"I guess that man wasn't so liberal as he seemed," said<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1124" id="Page_1124">[Pg 1124]</a></span> Jack. "The pony
+will be able to carry just about enough hay up here to make Snoozer a
+bed."</p>
+
+<p>We plunged on, till at last the path became a little nearer level. It
+crossed a small open tract and then wound among bushes and low trees.
+Suddenly we saw something gleam in the light of the lantern, and stopped
+right on the river's bank. The water looked deep and dark, though not
+very wide. The current was swift and eddying.</p>
+
+<p>"We've passed the hay," I said. "It must be on that open flat we
+crossed."</p>
+
+<p>We went back, and turning to the right, soon found it. I set the lantern
+down and began to pull hay from one of the stacks, when the pony made a
+sudden movement, struck the lantern with her foot, and smashed the globe
+to bits.</p>
+
+<p>"There," exclaimed Jack, "we'll have a fine time going up that
+badger-hole of a cańon in the dark!"</p>
+
+<p>But there was nothing else to do, and we made up two big bundles of hay,
+and tied them to the pony's back.</p>
+
+<p>"She'll think it's tumbleweeds," said Ollie.</p>
+
+<p>"If she'd headed in the right direction I hope she will," answered Jack.</p>
+
+<p>We started up, but it was a long and toilsome climb. In many places Jack
+and I had to get down on our hands and knees and feel out the path. The
+worst place was a scramble up a bank twenty feet high, and covered with
+loose stones. I was ahead. The heroic little pony with her unwieldy load
+sniffed at the prospect a little, and then started bravely up, "hanging
+on by her toe-nails," as Ollie said. When she was almost to the top she
+stepped on a loose stone, lost her footing, went over, and rolled away
+into the darkness and underbrush. Jack stumbled over a little of the hay
+which had come off in the path, hastily rolled up a torch, and lit it
+with a match. By this light we found the pony on her back, like a
+tumble-bug, with her load for a cushion and her feet in the air, and
+kicking wildly in every direction. While Ollie held the torch, Jack and
+I went to her rescue, and after a vast deal of pulling and lifting, got
+her to her feet just as the hay torch died out. Again she scrambled up
+the bank, and this time with success. We went on, found the other
+horses, and were soon at the wagon. We voted the pony all the hay she
+wanted, and went to bed tired.</p>
+
+<p>The next day, the ninth out from Yankton, though it was a long run,
+brought us to Valentine, the first town on the railroad which we had
+seen since leaving the former place. Before we reached it we went
+several miles along the upper ends of the cańons, down a long hill so
+steep that we had to chain both hind wheels, forded the Niobrara twice,
+followed the river several miles, went out across the military
+reservation, which was like a desert, saw six or eight hundred negro
+soldiers at Fort Niobrara, and finally drove through Valentine, and went
+into camp a mile west of town. On the way we saw thousands of the
+biggest and reddest tumbleweeds, and two or three new sorts of cactus.
+The colored troops surprised Ollie, as he had never seen any before.</p>
+
+<p>"It's the western winds and the hot sun that's tanned those soldiers,"
+said Jack. "We'll look just that way, too, before we get back."</p>
+
+<p>Ollie was half inclined to believe this astonishing statement at first,
+but concluded that his uncle was joking.</p>
+
+<p>We went into camp on the banks of the Minichaduza River, a little brook
+which flows into the Niobrara from the northwest. It gurgled and bubbled
+all night almost under our wheels. A man stopped to chat with us as we
+sat around our camp-fire after supper. We told him of our experience in
+getting the hay the night before. He laughed and said:</p>
+
+<p>"Ever steal any of your horse feed?"</p>
+
+<p>"We haven't yet," answered Jack. "We try to be reasonably honest."</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_012.jpg" width="400" height="348" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">THE YOUNG FELLOW WILTED RIGHT DOWN ON THE GROUND.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>"Some don't, though," replied the man. "Most of 'em that are going West
+in a covered wagon seem to think corn in the field is public property. A
+fellow camped right here one afternoon last fall. He was out of feed,
+and took a grain sack on one arm and a big Winchester rifle on the
+other, and went over to old Brown's corn-field. He took the gun along
+not to shoot anybody, but to sort of intimidate Brown if he should catch
+him. Suddenly he saw an old fellow coming toward him carrying a gun
+about a foot longer than his own. The young fellow wilted right down on
+the ground and never moved. He happened to go down on a big prickly
+cactus, but he never stirred, cactus or no cactus. He thought Brown had
+caught him, and that he was done for. The old man kept coming nearer and
+nearer. He was almost to him. The young fellow concluded to make a brave
+fight. So he jumped up and yelled. The old man dropped his gun and ran
+like a scared wolf. Then the young fellow noticed that the other also
+had a sack in which he had been gathering corn. He called him back, they
+saw that they were both thieves, shook hands, and went ahead and robbed
+old Brown together."</p>
+
+<p>The man got up to go. "Well, good-night, boys," he said. "Rest as hard
+as you can to-morrow. You'll strike into the sand hills at about nine
+o'clock Monday morning. Take three days' feed, and every drop of water
+you can carry; and if you waste any of it washing your hands you're
+bigger fools than I think you are."</p>
+
+<h4>[<span class="smcap">to be continued</span>.]</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1125" id="Page_1125">[Pg 1125]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT" id="INTERSCHOLASTIC_SPORT"></a>
+<img src="images/ill_013.jpg" width="600" height="118" alt="INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORT" />
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>[<i>The series of four papers on the Science of Football, by Mr. W.&nbsp;H.
+Lewis of the Harvard Football Team of 1893, begun in this
+Department last week, is continued in the present issue.</i>]</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>The subject of position-play in football may best be covered by taking
+up and discussing each individual of the team in turn. The end rusher,
+therefore, should be chosen for agility, speed, endurance, and good
+judgment. The first three qualifications are necessary to enable him to
+avoid, break up, and worm his way into, through, or around the
+interference, tackle into its very midst, or take advantage of
+occasional fumbles. His duty on the offensive, or when his own side has
+the ball, will depend upon his assignment in the particular play.
+Generally the end should stand much nearer his tackle when on the
+offensive, so as to be able to get into every play. In plays through
+tackle and end, or around the end on his own side of the line, he may
+help the tackle to block or pocket the opposing tackle. If a half-back
+comes into the line between tackle and end, the end should remember to
+take the inside man, as he is the more dangerous, because uncovered and
+nearest to the play.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_014.jpg" width="400" height="91" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">FIG. 1.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The great bulk of the end's work comes in the defensive game. He is to
+prevent the long runs or open plays. He should never run behind his own
+line, because of the danger of leaving his side of the line open to
+criss-cross or some trick play. The end's primary duty is to turn the
+runner in. He therefore should go in as quickly and on as sharp an angle
+as possible, so that he can meet the interference before it gets well
+formed and started. He should take the direction of A&nbsp;D (shown in
+Fig. 1), A&nbsp;B&nbsp;C if he must, but never A&nbsp;E. If the opposing end
+plays up in the line opposite him, the only direction possible will be A&nbsp;B&nbsp;C.</p>
+
+<p>He should meet the interference with body well forward, the arms
+extended straight and stiff, so as not to be hit by the interference,
+being careful to keep a little to the outside of it. In plays through
+the middle of the line, or pile up, the ends should keep out of the
+scrimmage, so as to be sure that the runner does not come out of the
+pile.</p>
+
+<p><i>Tackle.</i>&mdash;If there is any one position in the line harder to play than
+another, that position is tackle. The tackle must look out for territory
+on both sides of him, and be ready to help either guard or end, as the
+emergency requires. The great majority of the plays are aimed at him.
+His constant study must be how to meet each particular play in every
+style of offence. He should stand about four feet from his guard, and
+should not allow himself to be drawn out further than six feet; the
+wider his line is drawn out, the weaker it will be and the more
+territory he will have to cover. The offensive work of the tackle
+depends largely upon the play and his assignment in it. In blocking he
+should always take the man nearest the centre, as he is the nearest to
+the starting-point of the play, and therefore the most dangerous. In
+that case he should call in his guard to take his man. On plays through
+and around the other side of the line, the tackle should momentarily
+block his man, and then get into the push or interference.</p>
+
+<p>When the tackle himself takes the ball, he should be careful not to give
+his intention away. He should, without notice, shift his position and
+bring his feet pretty close together, to enable him to start quickly. He
+should take off by giving his tackle a push in his chest with the open
+hand. The end should go into the opposing tackle the moment his tackle
+takes off, so as to prevent his opponent from following. When his own
+side is going to kick, the tackle should block his man long enough to
+prevent his stopping the kick, and then get down the field so as to help
+the ends prevent a return. The tackle should go nearly straight, so as
+to protect the centre of the field, the ends taking care of the sides.</p>
+
+<p>The great bulk of the tackle's work is on the defensive. His duty is to
+tackle everything in sight. Clean, sharp breaking through is imperative
+in a tackle. The first thing a tackle should do when he steps into the
+line on the defence, is to notice his opponent's style of blocking, and
+adapt his method of breaking through accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>Plays directed on the tackle call for great judgment and great strength.
+The tackle should, if possible, shove his man back and into the play.
+His next best plan to meet it is to go down in front of it good and
+stiff and pile it up. He should go into the mass head and shoulders or
+sideways, but never upon any pretext turn his back to it. In defending
+his territory against trick plays, the best and only advice that can be
+given to a tackle is to keep the eyes open, notice the alignments of the
+opposing back's, the way they stand, their facial expression, and
+movement, and try to divine which way the ball is going. When the
+opposing side is going to kick, the tackle should spread a little so as
+to give himself a better chance of getting through.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_015.jpg" width="400" height="393" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">FIG. 2.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><i>Guard.</i>&mdash;The two guards and the centre make up the proverbial stone
+wall into which the opposing backs are supposed to ram their heads to no
+effect.</p>
+
+<p>A guard should stand with the foot next to centre forward if possible,
+but if a man starts quicker with that foot back, why, stand that way. He
+should be careful not to allow himself to be drawn out too far from the
+centre. If his man goes out far he should tell the quarter-back, and
+have him send a play through guard and centre, and his opponent will
+probably move in again. As long as the inner foot of the opposite guard
+is inside of the outer foot of the guard blocking, the latter ought to
+be able to take him the moment the ball starts, and run him out to the
+side lines. The guard should also keep a sharp lookout for the opposing
+quarter, and if he comes up into the line between him and centre, push
+him out with open hand.</p>
+
+<p>After having made a hole if called for, or blocked his man, the next
+duty of the guard is to get into the push or interference himself. Get
+hold of the runner; if possible, pull him along. Give him a chance to
+use you in warding off would-be tacklers. One of the first duties of a
+guard is to line up quickly. He should be right beside his centre the
+moment the ball is down. The play cannot start without some one to guard
+it. When his side is going to kick, the guard should move in close to
+the centre so that no little quarter or stray back can come through and
+stop the kick. He must block well, and almost until he hears the ball
+booted, because the path<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1126" id="Page_1126">[Pg 1126]</a></span> through the centre is the straightest line,
+and hence the shortest distance to the kicker, as will be seen in Fig.
+3, line A&nbsp;B. The exact moment when he can let his man through must
+be determined by the quickness of the man in front of him and the
+kicker, as will be seen in Fig. 3. After having blocked long enough to
+insure the kicks getting away, he should get down the field with the
+other forwards to help prevent return of the ball.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_016.jpg" width="400" height="181" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">FIG. 3.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>On the defense there is an immense amount of hard work for the guard. He
+is primarily responsible for the ground between him and tackle, and
+secondarily for that between him and centre. In going through, this fact
+should be kept in mind. The fact that a guard must stand lower than
+tackle, and has less and different kind of territory to cover, will
+prevent him ordinarily from using as many methods of breaking through as
+a tackle. He must take some method of getting through that will enable
+him to use the body of his opponent to cover the territory between him
+and centre, and to enable him to get out and back up tackle, and that
+will put him through back to back with his man before the runner reaches
+the line.</p>
+
+<p><i>Centre Rush.</i>&mdash;The position of centre rush is comparatively a new one.
+Until a few years ago the middle position in the line was occupied by a
+snap-back, whose only duty was to put the ball in play. After that he
+was merely a passenger. From the snap-back the centre rush has been
+evolved by gradual enlargement of his duties. To-day he is chief of
+forwards, there being no duplicate to his position, as there is of
+tackle and guard. Every play starts from the centre rush, and depends
+upon him for a large share of its success or failure. The position is
+one requiring painstaking, conscientious hard work, admitting of very
+little glory, although the centre handles the ball more than any other
+player. On the offensive, the first duty of the centre rush is to put
+the ball in play. Much depends upon this. The team can play no faster
+than he does. If he is slow, the whole thing is slow. He must follow the
+ball closely, and the moment it is down, take it from his back and put
+it down for the next play. When the ball goes out of bounds, he must be
+the first man on the side lines, to take it in on the jump for the next
+play. The line forms on him, and to have his team line up quickly he
+must be doubly quick.</p>
+
+<p>To snap the ball back, the body should be just low enough to reach the
+ball with the snapping arm, and no lower nor higher. The distance
+between the forward and rear foot must be obtained by practice. The rear
+one, in general, should be just far enough back to give him a good
+start. The centre should straddle only enough to keep from wobbling from
+side to side. The centre should never stand flat-footed. The feet should
+be at right angles to the gridiron lines. The position is much like that
+of a sprinter on his mark, as is shown in Fig. 2.</p>
+
+<p><i>Different Methods of Snapping.</i>&mdash;First, the flat, or side, snap, or
+snap on the longer axis of the ball. Place the ball upon the ground
+about two inches from the forward foot. Turn the lacing in. Have the
+seams of the ball parallel with the gridiron lines. Take a firm grip of
+the ball. Let the fingers be well over the front of it. The ball is sent
+back to the quarter with a downward motion of the wrist and arm. Place
+the ball as far under you as possible; it shortens the distance. The
+advantage of the side snap is that the snapper can balance himself
+partly on the ball, so that he can ofttimes put the ball into play under
+very trying circumstances.</p>
+
+<p>Second, the end-over-end, or snap on the shorter axis. This snap is in
+most general use at present. It requires more skill in handling than the
+other. It has the advantage that it is quicker when well executed, and
+enables the quarter to be of considerably more aid in the interference.
+To use this style of snapping, place the ball on the end, the head out a
+little, although the exact angle must be acquired by practice. The ball
+is put into play by a delicate wrist motion back and downward.</p>
+
+<p>The defensive-work of the centre is almost illimitable. He can be of as
+much or of as little use to his side as he has a mind to. He has more
+opportunity for brilliant tackles than any other man on his side, for
+the sole reason that he is not expected to do anything, and is the
+unaccounted-for man. His own man is handicapped by having to snap the
+ball, and he has no other assignment except that man. He should remain
+in his position long enough to see whether the play is coming at him or
+not. This will, of course, be determined by his shrewdness in guessing
+the play. If the play is at him, by keeping his man away from him, he
+can get under and into either hole. If his own position is not attacked,
+he should take the hole nearest the runner. He can often go through
+between guard and centre by having his guard break to the outside, and
+the opposing guard, following him, makes the hole for centre to go
+through.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Half-Back.</i>&mdash;The function of the half-back is to carry the ball.
+The advance into the enemy's territory must be made by him, except that
+a tackle may occasionally be called on for a run. The position is a
+difficult, trying, and exhausting one. The back must be sent time and
+again without let-up. With reference to his own proper function, a
+half-back should be chosen for speed, endurance, sand, and a cool, quick
+judgment. There are two distinct styles of backs&mdash;the "plunging back"
+and the "wrigglers," or "dodgers." It is desirable to have one of each
+upon a team. The former is better in line-breaking as a rule, and the
+latter excels in "broken fields" and end-running. The backs should be
+drilled carefully in the Fundamentals, especially those connected with
+their immediate duties, such as tossing, catching, kicking, and
+tackling. Standing starts and short dashes are also invaluable as
+preliminary practice.</p>
+
+<p>As to the form of the half-back, it should be such as will not give away
+the direction in which he intends to run, yet such as will enable him to
+start at once upon the snap of the ball or signal. Many of the best
+backs give away the point of attack by unconscious glances and
+movements, things that should be studiously avoided. False starts are
+also to be guarded against, as they spoil the whole play and slow up the
+game. The backs should take, as far as possible, the same position in
+the given play every time. The body should be angular in form and
+carried well forward, much like the position of the standing start of a
+sprinter, with this difference, that the rear foot should not be quite
+so far back. The position must be one in which the backs can start
+quickly in either direction. Backs generally stand perfectly square,
+with toes of both feet on a line. Before they can get away from that
+position they must take either a short step back or forward. This step
+is unnecessary and shows a man up.</p>
+
+<p>In going through the line, the general rule is to go low. In running
+low, the runner should bend his neck so that he can see and take his
+holes cleanly. When going through the middle of the line, it is best to
+carry the ball in both hands.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1127" id="Page_1127">[Pg 1127]</a></span> Take the ball in the pit of the stomach,
+the legs and trunk forming a basket or angle, and then grapple it to you
+with both hands. Do not carry the ball too far under the arm. The ball
+should be carried so that it may be shifted in order to use the nearest
+arm to ward off would-be tacklers. It is surprising how many tacklers
+can be warded off by using that arm like a piston-rod against every man
+that comes up. In line-breaking, the back should remember to keep his
+feet and fight for the last inch of ground. If he can only keep his feet
+and give his own side a chance to push, he is bound to gain ground.</p>
+
+<p><i>Full-Back.</i>&mdash;No player has <i>cut so much ice</i> in the winning or losing
+of big matches in the last two seasons as the full-back. The holding of
+big teams to small scores by inferior ones has been largely owing to
+good men in this position. Hence the growing appreciation of the demands
+of this position and its vital importance to the success of the eleven.
+Kicking to-day has come to be a part of the offensive game, and the
+full-back, consequently, the biggest ground-gainer of all the backs. The
+full-back should be chosen almost solely for his ability to kick. Other
+qualifications are desirable, to be sure, but the ability to kick is the
+prime requisite. The preliminary training of the full-back should be one
+continuous kick.</p>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_017.jpg" width="400" height="153" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">FIG. 4.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The position of the full-back on the offence will be generally midway
+between the two backs, or a little in advance of them, near enough to
+touch either with the out-stretched arm. In runs around the end the
+full-back will generally be called on either to lead the interference or
+to block some particular player on the other side&mdash;a half-back or an
+end, most likely. In bucking the centre, the full-back should put his
+head down and go low and hard. He should make up his mind where he is
+going, and then go there without halting and hesitating. While as a
+general rule it is hard to gain through a good centre, a short gain
+through that territory is all the more valuable. The line through the
+centre is a straight line, and therefore the shortest distance to the
+required five yards, as will be seen in Fig. 4, the base of a
+right-angled triangle being always shorter than the hypothenuse.</p>
+
+<p><i>The Quarter-Back.</i>&mdash;The first essential qualification of a quarter-back
+is brains. He should be able to take in a situation at a glance, to
+think quickly, and to put that thought into execution at once. He should
+be cool without being deliberate, enthusiastic without being excitable.
+He should be brimful of nervous force and energy and of tireless
+activity. He should be absolutely fearless, and of positive force of
+character. The quarter-back should have constant, painstaking practice
+in handling and passing the ball. All spare moments on and off the field
+can most profitably be put in by him in receiving the snap from his
+centre and passing to some back. By that practice he gets used to his
+centre and learns intuitively when and where the ball will come every
+time.</p>
+
+<p>The two ways commonly used in putting the ball into play are the "end"
+and "flap" snap. Take the position of quarter in receiving the "flap"
+snap first: The quarter stands, or rather kneels without touching his
+knees, close up behind the centre, about a foot from him.</p>
+
+<p>The position is such that he can start quickly in the opposite direction
+from the one he is facing to receive the ball. Turning to the rear is
+easily and quickly done by using the balls of the feet as a pivot and
+swinging the body around on them. The ball should be picked up cleanly.
+It ought to require no more changing to throw than a baseball. The ball
+is picked up with the fingers over one end of it, the other end is bound
+to point along the arm, and thus it is ready for throwing. When the ball
+is snapped end over end, the quarter-back takes an entirely different
+position. He should stand squarely behind the centre, both feet being
+nearly on a line. He should stand near enough to take the ball on the
+first bound just the moment before the ball reaches the point where it
+begins to fall. His distance is about from two to three feet.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the defence, the quarter with the other two backs form a kind of
+second rush-line. The play of the quarter-back on the defence, unless
+some special assignment is made him, is that of a free lance, a pirate
+to mix up things generally and break through where he is least expected.
+He generally stands behind the centre, and the moment the play starts,
+takes the nearest hole. Oft-times the guard and centre can make a hole
+to let the quarter through.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<p>When an individual enters a competition which is held by any association
+for the purpose of determining which player has the strongest claim, by
+reason of his skill, to represent that association at a competition to
+be held by some other (and, usually, greater) organization at some
+future date, he takes upon himself, as a man of honor, the obligation,
+in case he wins, of representing the first body in the contest to be
+held by the second body. This more or less ethical and undoubtedly wordy
+definition I hope is clear; but in case it is not, let me put it in
+another and possibly more colloquial way: If the Scholastic School holds
+a golf tournament for the purpose of selecting a man to represent the
+Scholastic School at the University College golf tournament, every man
+who <i>enters</i> the Scholastic School tournament pledges himself (in
+spirit, of course, he being an honorable amateur), in case he is a
+winner, to appear and compete, to the best of his ability, at the
+University College golf tournament as the representative of his school.</p>
+
+<p>In other words, any person who wins at a preliminary event, and fails to
+fulfil at the final contest the obligations he has thus assumed, is
+guilty of a breach of faith. He is guilty of a breach of faith unless he
+is physically unable to stand the bodily strain of the contest he has
+entered for, and in such a case he should at once notify both the body
+he represents (that it may send a substitute if it chooses) and the
+officers of the organization for whose competition he is entered, that
+the latter may not be placed in a false position toward the public and
+the other competitors.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. C.&nbsp;W. Beggs, of the Lawrenceville School, entered the Princeton
+Interscholastic Tennis Tournament as a representative of
+Lawrenceville&mdash;and won. By this victory Mr. Beggs became Princeton's
+representative at the National Interscholastic Tennis Tournament to be
+held at Newport, and accepted the obligation and responsibility of
+representing Princeton on that occasion, just as fully and as
+unequivocally as a football-player or a baseball-player accepts the
+responsibility of playing his position in the final match game of the
+season when he earns a place on his school's eleven or nine. Mr. Beggs
+did not fulfil his obligations toward Princeton. He did not appear at
+Newport on the day of the tournament, and, so far as I am able to learn,
+he did not notify the officers of the national event of his intended and
+perhaps entirely unavoidable absence.</p>
+
+<p>By acting in this manner he disarranged the programme of the national
+event, he lessened the interest in the play of the tournament, and he
+deprived Princeton of a possible victory. It is possible that Mr. Beggs
+was prevented by illness from appearing on the courts at Newport, but
+illness alone can be accepted as a valid excuse for his absence. Having
+undertaken to be present, not travels nor "occasions of a life-time"
+should have kept him away&mdash;should have allowed him to break his faith.</p>
+
+<p>These few words are not aimed in censure at Mr. Beggs. He is not alone
+in such conduct. But he is a vivid example of an unsportsmanlike act
+(unsportsmanlike unless he had the excuse of illness, and, even so,
+inconsiderate if he did not notify the National L.T.A., and it does not
+appear that he did), and the ethics of sport can only be taught to most
+of us by the display of a striking example. The interests of
+interscholastic sport may best be maintained by a strict adherence to
+obligations assumed.</p>
+
+<h4>"TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL."&mdash;<span class="smcap">Illustrated.&mdash;8vo, Cloth, Ornamental</span>,
+$1.25.</h4>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">The Graduate</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 244px;">
+<img src="images/ill_018.jpg" width="244" height="400" alt="ROYAL BAKING POWDER" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">A cream-of-tartar baking powder. Highest of all in leavening
+strength.&mdash;<i>Latest United States Government Food Report.</i></p>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Royal Baking Powder Co., New York</span>.</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_019.jpg" width="400" height="60" alt="THOMPSON'S EYE WATER" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1128" id="Page_1128">[Pg 1128]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;"><a name="BICYCLING" id="BICYCLING"></a>
+<img src="images/ill_020.jpg" width="600" height="140" alt="BICYCLING" />
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>This Department is conducted in the interest of Bicyclers, and the
+Editor will be pleased to answer any question on the subject. Our
+maps and tours contain many valuable data kindly supplied from the
+official maps and road-books of the League of American Wheelmen.
+Recognizing the value of the work being done by the L.A.W., the
+Editor will be pleased to furnish subscribers with membership
+blanks and information so far as possible.</p></blockquote>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 245px;">
+<img src="images/ill_021.jpg" width="245" height="700" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">Copyright, 1896, by Harper &amp; Brothers.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>The route given in the next three weeks will be one of the best trips in
+the vicinity of Chicago, extending from Chicago itself to Joliet, thence
+to Ottawa, and thence to La Salle, and return. Like the great majority
+of trips taken from Chicago, this one depends largely upon the time at
+the rider's disposal, for you may either start from Chicago itself, or
+if the time is too short you can take the train for Ottawa and ride from
+there, or it is possible to get off the train at Joliet and ride on. But
+if time is not so important a matter, it is by all means best to ride
+all the way from Chicago. A choice of roads leads out of the city. You
+can go by the Archer Road to Joliet viâ Summit, Mount Forest, Willow
+Springs, Sag, Lemont, Romeo, and Lockport. In going the other way, take
+the Washington Boulevard west to Des Plaines Avenue, and then south to
+Riverside. This route leads along the old Illinois-Michigan Canal, Des
+Plaines River, and the new drainage canal, and it gives an excellent
+opportunity for you to examine the work on this large engineering
+undertaking.</p>
+
+<p>There is still one other route to Joliet, which is a good road if the
+weather is good, but which after rain it would be unwise to attempt.
+This route is as follows: Start south on Western Avenue, or go down
+through Pullman City, turning westward to arrive at Blue Island. Here it
+will be necessary to make inquiry for the Blue Island and Orland Road,
+which runs southwest through Orland Station on the Wabash railway to
+Joliet. Part of this secondary route is not on the map, but it can be
+traced from Orland through Alpine, Hadley, and on into Joliet. The most
+attractive route, however, is the second one&mdash;that is, through
+Riverside, Summit, Willow Springs, etc.</p>
+
+<p>On this first stage to Joliet the road to Summit is easily found, except
+that on passing through Summit a sharp turn to the left should be made,
+instead of crossing the track and the canal, up a hill, the road then
+being perfectly clear through Mount Forest and Willow Springs to Sag
+Station, with one hill about midway between the two latter places. At
+Sag Station turn to the left and run down to Sag, less than a mile away;
+then, turning sharply to the right, run to Lemont. Thence, keeping
+always on the southern and eastern side of the tracks and the river,
+follow the road to Romeo, with a hill as you enter the town, and run
+thence through Lockport to Joliet. The distance is close upon forty
+miles. If the trip is made in a day, a good place to stop is at Sag. If,
+however, the wheelman decides to run to Ottawa in one day, Joliet would
+make a stop a little less than half the distance; though this run to
+Ottawa of about ninety miles is a little too much for the average rider,
+and Joliet being a good place to stop overnight, he is advised to make a
+two days' trip of the journey. In case Joliet is too far, there is a
+good hotel at Lockport, six or seven miles nearer Chicago than Joliet,
+and the stop might be made there, although that leaves a long ride for
+the next day.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>.&mdash;Map of New York city asphalted streets in No. 809. Map of
+route from New York to Tarrytown in No. 810. New York to Stamford,
+Connecticut, in No. 811. New York to Staten Island in No. 812. New
+Jersey from Hoboken to Pine Brook in No. 813. Brooklyn in No. 814.
+Brooklyn to Babylon in No. 815. Brooklyn to Northport in No. 816.
+Tarrytown to Poughkeepsie in No. 817. Poughkeepsie to Hudson in No.
+818. Hudson to Albany in No. 819. Tottenville to Trenton in No.
+820. Trenton to Philadelphia in No. 821. Philadelphia in No. 822.
+Philadelphia-Wissahickon Route in No. 823. Philadelphia to West
+Chester in No. 824. Philadelphia to Atlantic City&mdash;First Stage in
+No. 825; Second Stage in No. 826. Philadelphia to Vineland&mdash;First
+Stage in No. 827; Second Stage in No. 828. New York to
+Boston&mdash;Second Stage in No. 829. Third Stage in No. 830; Fourth
+Stage in No. 831; Fifth Stage in No. 832; Sixth Stage in No. 833.
+Boston to Concord in No. 834. Boston in No. 835. Boston to
+Gloucester in No. 836. Boston to Newburyport in No. 837. Boston to
+New Bedford in No. 838. Boston to South Framingham in No. 839.
+Boston to Nahant in No. 840. Boston to Lowell in No. 841. Boston to
+Nantasket Beach in No. 842. Boston Circuit Ride in No. 843.
+Philadelphia to Washington&mdash;First Stage in No. 844; Second Stage in
+No. 845; Third Stage in No. 846; Fourth Stage in No. 847; Fifth
+Stage in No. 848. City of Washington in No. 849. City of Albany in
+No. 854; Albany to Fonda in No 855; Fonda to Utica in No. 856;
+Utica to Syracuse in No. 857; Syracuse to Lyons in No. 858; Lyons
+to Rochester in No. 859; Rochester to Batavia in No. 860; Batavia
+to Buffalo in No. 861; Poughkeepsie to Newtown in No. 864; Newtown
+to Hartford in No. 865; New Haven to Hartford in No. 866; Hartford
+to Springfield in No. 867; Hartford to Canaan in No 868; Canaan to
+Pittsfield in No. 869; Hudson to Pittsfield in No. 870. City of
+Chicago in No. 874. Waukesha to Oconomowoc in No. 875; Chicago to
+Wheeling in No. 876; Wheeling to Lippencott's in No 877;
+Lippencott's to Waukesha in No. 878; Waukesha to Milwaukee in No.
+879.</p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1129" id="Page_1129">[Pg 1129]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="THE_CAMERA_CLUB" id="THE_CAMERA_CLUB"></a>
+<img src="images/ill_022.jpg" width="400" height="132" alt="THE CAMERA CLUB" />
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>Any questions in regard to photograph matters will be willingly
+answered by the Editor of this column and we should be glad to hear
+from any of our club who can make helpful suggestions.</p></blockquote>
+
+<h3>HOW TO SALT PAPER.</h3>
+
+<p>Salting paper is the process by which photographic paper is coated with
+chloride of sodium (common salt), chloride of ammonium, or chloride of
+barium, and salted paper is pure photographic paper which has been
+immersed or floated in a salting-bath and then dried. Paper prepared
+especially for photographic use is the best; but paper which is free
+from impurities may be used. Whatman's drawing-paper is a good paper.
+The paper is first salted, and when dry the sensitizing solution is
+applied.</p>
+
+<p>To salt paper with chloride of sodium, take 20 oz. of water and 30 grs.
+of common salt; dissolve the salt in the water and filter; put this
+solution in a flat dish larger than the sheets of paper to be salted.
+Select the smoothest side of the paper, and turn back two corners
+diagonally opposite to each other. Take hold of the paper by these
+corners and lower the sheet of paper gently into the solution. See that
+every portion of the surface is thoroughly wet, but do not let the paper
+touch the bottom of the dish. Let it remain in the solution for one
+minute; then, if it appears to be thoroughly covered, pin it up to dry,
+with the side which was salted turned outward. To sensitize this paper,
+take nitrate of silver, &frac12;-oz., and water, 10 oz. After it is dissolved
+take out 3 oz., and to the remaining 7 oz. add strong ammonia-water,
+drop by drop. A brownish precipitate will form, but keep adding the
+ammonia till the solution is nearly or quite clear, then turn in the
+other 3 oz. and filter. This solution may be put in a flat dish, and the
+paper be sensitized by floating it on the solution, or it may be spread
+on with a brush, according to directions given in No. 869.</p>
+
+<p>To salt paper with chloride of ammonium make a solution as follows:</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left">Chloride of Ammonium</td><td align="right">32</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Water</td><td align="right">4</td><td align="left">oz.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Gelatine</td><td align="right">8</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>Put the gelatine in the water, and set the vessel containing it in a
+dish of hot water until the gelatine is dissolved. When it is cold add
+the chloride of ammonium, and either float according to directions just
+given, or apply the solution with a brush.</p>
+
+<p>To sensitize, take 1 oz. of water and 60 grs. of nitrate of silver.
+Dissolve thoroughly and brush the paper with this solution. Brush evenly
+and lightly both ways of the paper, so as to avoid a streaked
+appearance. Print and tone the same as for aristo prints. The combined
+toning-bath gives good results. The tone of the prints closely resembles
+platinum prints.</p>
+
+<p>Another process for salting paper is:</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align="left">Chloride of Ammonium</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Chloride of Sodium</td><td align="right">3</td><td align="left">grs.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Water</td><td align="right">2</td><td align="left">oz.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>Apply this solution with a brush, or float the paper on the bath. To
+sensitize, take 60 grs. of nitrate of silver and 1 oz. of water. Add
+ammonia-water, drop by drop, till 25 drops have been used. The solution
+at first turns muddy, but continue dropping the ammonia till it clears.
+If it does not clear after the 25 drops have been added clear by
+filtering. Sensitize as per former directions.</p>
+
+<p>This paper is very easily prepared, is inexpensive, and gives fine
+delicate prints. Do not print much deeper than is desired for the
+finished print. One may use a toning and fixing bath combined, or a
+separate toning and fixing bath may be used.</p>
+
+<p>One can sensitize a strip at the head of a letter or a corner of a
+visiting-card; and print the same as any paper.</p>
+
+<p>The paper can be bought ready salted, but it is not always fresh. It is
+very little trouble to salt paper and to sensitize it, and the cost is
+much less than when paper is bought ready prepared. The plain paper
+should be used within two or three days after sensitizing with the
+silver, but the salted paper keeps well, and may be sensitized as
+needed.</p>
+
+<p>Mark the sensitized paper on the wrong side lightly, as it is hard to
+distinguish the sensitive side. When dry these prints are so flat and
+the paper is so thin that they make nice book illustrations.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir Knights Fred. W. Long</span> and <span class="smcap">Fred. D. Rose</span> wish to know in what
+numbers of the <span class="smcap">Round Table</span> the "Papers for Beginners" may be found.
+In Nos. 812, 813, 814, 816, 817, 818, 821, 822, 823, 824, 825, 826,
+832, 838, 840, and 842. See also the late numbers for "Chemistry
+for Amateur Photographers."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">E. Lester Crocker</span>, Tarrytown-on-Hudson, New York, wishes to be
+enrolled as a member of the Camera Club.</p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h3>ILL-TEMPERED BABIES</h3>
+
+<p>are not desirable in any home. Insufficient nourishment produces ill
+temper. Guard against fretful children by feeding nutritious and
+digestible food. The Gail Borden Eagle Brand Condensed Milk is the most
+successful of all infant foods.&mdash;[<i>Adv.</i>]</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>ADVERTISEMENTS.</h2>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>Columbia</h2>
+
+<h2>Bicycles</h2>
+
+<h3>LEAD THE WORLD.</h3>
+
+<p>No competition has been able to shake the hold of Columbia Bicycles on
+the wheeling public. It is the natural reward of unequalled experience,
+materials, workmanship and facilities. To enjoy the highest delight of
+bicycling you must ride the Columbia.</p>
+
+<h3>Standard of the World</h3>
+
+<h3>$100 TO ALL ALIKE.</h3>
+
+<h4>POPE MFG. CO., Hartford, Conn.</h4>
+
+<p>Columbia Art Catalogue free from all branch houses and agents, or will
+be sent by mail for two 2-cent stamps.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>WALTER BAKER &amp; CO., <span class="smcap">limited</span>.</h2>
+
+<p class="center">Established Dorchester, Mass., 1780.</p>
+
+<h2>Breakfast Cocoa</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 354px;">
+<img src="images/ill_023.jpg" width="354" height="400" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">Always ask for Walter Baker &amp; Co.'s</p>
+
+<h3>Breakfast Cocoa</h3>
+
+<p class="center">Made at</p>
+
+<h4>DORCHESTER, MASS.</h4>
+
+<p class="center">It bears their Trade Mark</p>
+
+<p class="center">"La Belle Chocolatiere" on every can.</p>
+
+<h3>Beware of Imitations.</h3>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>Postage Stamps, &amp;c.</h2>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 99px;">
+<img src="images/ill_024.jpg" width="99" height="80" alt="STAMPS" />
+</div>
+
+<p>100 all dif. Venezuela, Bolivia, etc., only 10c., 200 all dif. Hayti,
+Hawaii, etc., only 50c. Ag'ts w't'd at 50% com. Lint FREE! <b>C.&nbsp;A.
+Stegmann</b>, 5941 Cote Brilliante Ave., St. Louis, Mo</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>STAMPS</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><b>10</b> stamps and large list <b>FREE!</b></p>
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">L. Dover &amp; Co</span>., 1469 Hodiamont, St. Louis, Mo.</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h4>STAMPS on Approval! 50% disct. <i>List free.</i></h4>
+
+<h4>W.&nbsp;C. Shields, 30 Sorauren Ave., Toronto, Canada.</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<p class="center">110 Foreign Stamps, Liberia, Borneo, Mexico, etc., 5c. <span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;L. Ashfield</span>,
+767 Prospect Ave., N.Y.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_025.jpg" width="400" height="60" alt="THOMPSON'S EYE WATER" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>Reader: Have you seen the</h2>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_026.jpg" width="400" height="68" alt="Franklin" />
+</div>
+
+<p>It is a Collection which no one who loves music should fail to own; it
+should find a place in every home. Never before, it may truthfully be
+said, has a song book been published at once so cheap, so good, and so
+complete.&mdash;<i>Colorado Springs Gazette.</i></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_027.jpg" width="400" height="76" alt="Square" />
+</div>
+
+<p>This Song Collection is one of the most notable enterprises of the kind
+attempted by any publisher. The brief sketches and histories of the
+leading productions in the work add greatly to the value of the
+series.&mdash;<i>Troy Times.</i></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_028.jpg" width="400" height="78" alt="Collection" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Sold Everywhere. Eight Numbers. Price, 50 cents each; Cloth, $1.00. Full
+contents, with Specimen Pages, mailed, without cost, on application to
+<b>Harper &amp; Brothers, New York</b>.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1130" id="Page_1130">[Pg 1130]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>From Calamus to Quill.</h2>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>It is most interesting to trace the evolution of the pen, beginning
+with the <i>calamus</i> and <i>stilus</i>&mdash;the reed and erasing bodkin&mdash;and
+ending with a fountain-pen of the most improved make. In ancient
+days great care was taken in the selection of the choicest reeds,
+the best-cured parchment, and the daintiest waxen tablets. Egypt
+grew the best reeds, though they were also found in Armenia,
+Persia, and Italy. The modern Turks and Moors prize the Persian
+reeds above all others, splitting the points in the same manner as
+our grandfathers prepared their goose-quills. The oldest account
+known respecting quills is found in a work of St. Isidore's, who
+died in 636. Alcuinus, who lived in England, speaks of his pen, so
+the familiar article must have been in use almost as long as the
+art of writing was known in the country. Perhaps steel pens would
+have been more popular when first introduced if all had known that
+the quills were pulled from the living geese!</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Warner told his stationer that with one quill pen, old when he
+took it up, he wrote an "ecclesiastical history," two volumes
+folio, and a "dissertation on the Book of Common Prayer," both
+first and final draughts. Byron wrote the "Bride of Abydos" in one
+night, without once mending his quill, while Andrew Borde,
+physician to Henry VIII., and the original "Merry Andrew," wrote a
+book of nearly three hundred pages, 12mo., in the same manner.
+Camden wrote of the quill with which he composed the Britannia,</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">"With one sole pen I wrote this book,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">Made of a gray goose quill;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">A pen it was when I it took,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">And a pen I leave it still."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Launcelot Claymore</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>What Shakespeare Studied when at School.</h3>
+
+<p>Mr. William J. Rolfe, the Shakespearian student, has written most
+entertainingly of the Avon bard's school days. "The training in an
+English free day school in the time of Elizabeth," he writes, "depended
+much on the attainments of the master, and these varied greatly, bad
+teachers being the rule and good ones the exception. In many towns the
+office of schoolmaster was conferred on 'an ancient citizen of no great
+learning.' Sometimes a quack conjuring doctor had the position, like
+Pinch in the <i>Comedy of Errors</i>." What did William study in the
+grammar-school? Not much except arithmetic and Latin, with perhaps a
+little Greek and a mere smattering of other branches.</p>
+
+<p>The Latin grammar used was certainly Lily's, the standard manual of the
+time, as long before and after. In <i>The Taming of the Shrew</i> (I., 1,
+167) a passage from Terence is quoted in the modified form in which it
+appears in this grammar.</p>
+
+<p>This fact, slight as it is, seems to have its bearing on the Baconian
+controversy. "Can we imagine," asks Mr. Rolfe, "the sage of St. Albans,
+familiar as he was with classical literature, going to his old Latin
+grammar for a quotation from Terence, and not to the original works of
+that famous playwright?"</p>
+
+<p>We often hear people speak of "good old times," as if present times were
+worse. But good old school times of the sort described here were
+certainly not better than present times.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>Asked to Cease Soaring a Moment.</h3>
+
+<p>Mrs. Phelps-Ward has just related an amusing story of John Greenleaf
+Whittier and Lucy Larcom. They were driving together one day, and
+discussing the Bible, the future life, and kindred topics. The poet was
+a spare man, as of course you know, while the author, whose stories and
+poems you so well remember, was portly, and had withal an easy-going
+temperament, which led her to take things as they came, disturbed by
+nothing. She was, when interested in a subject, generally quite
+oblivious to all else around her. Driving along, they came to a rather
+steep hill that had a bad gully in it. The horse was none too easy to
+manage, and the carriage swayed uncomfortably toward the heavy
+side&mdash;that borne well down by the portly woman. Mr. Whittier was trying
+his best to control the horse and keep his seat, but his companion
+talked on.</p>
+
+<p>"Lucy," said the poet, sternly, and with not too much composure, "if
+thee doesn't stop talking long enough for me to control this horse,
+thee'll find thyself in heaven before thee wants to."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>Kinks.</h3>
+
+<h3>No. 30.&mdash;<span class="smcap">An Oblong Star</span>.</h3>
+
+<p>If the cross-words are rightly guessed the central letters of the
+right-hand hour-glass, reading downward, will spell the name of the
+Grecian painter from whose untiring industry is derived the proverb,
+<i>Nulla dies sine linea</i> ("No day without a line"). The central letters
+of the left-hand hour-glass will spell the name of a renowned Greek
+sculptor who was born about the time of the battle of Marathon.</p>
+
+<p>1. <i>Upper Diamond.</i>&mdash;1. In drawling. 2. A Japanese coin worth about
+four-fifths of a cent. 3. A word occurring frequently in the Psalms. 4.
+A deceiver. 5. The inferior pole of the horizon. 6. A form of a personal
+pronoun. 7. In drawling.</p>
+
+<p>2. <i>Lower Diamond.</i>&mdash;1. In drawling. 2. Mournful. 3. The pyramidal roof
+of a tower. 4. Insulting. 5. Scorched. 6. To finish. 7. In drawling.</p>
+
+<p>3. <i>Left-hand Hour-glass.</i>&mdash;1. Spotted. 2. Fences sunk below the ground.
+3. A mite. 4. In drawling. 5. The dado. 6. A map. 7. Calcined gypsum.</p>
+
+<p>4. <i>Right-Hand Hour-glass.</i>&mdash;1. Revolves. 2. Writing material. 3. A
+couch. 4. In drawling. 5. A beverage. 6. To step. 7. To sparkle.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Vincent V.&nbsp;M. Beede</span>, R.T.F.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<h3>No. 31.&mdash;<span class="smcap">A Heterogeneous Pie</span>.</h3>
+
+<p>A maniac in a Canadian asylum once requested his keeper to bring him a
+pie composed of the following ingredients:</p>
+
+<p>One object<sup>1</sup> which once bore the words, "For the fairest," won by Venus;
+one cup of one<sup>2</sup> who rides the main; three cups of an appropriate name<sup>3</sup>
+for a hard-headed animal; a morsel of a rod<sup>4</sup> little used in billiards;
+a nickname<sup>5</sup> applied to a New England State; one pound of the fish<sup>6</sup>
+that struggles; a goodly quantity of the fruit<sup>7</sup> from which a mechanic
+in one of Shakespeare's comedies derives his name; a dash of the <i>nom de
+plume</i><sup>8</sup> of James W. Morris; forty incites<sup>9</sup>; a heaping measure of the
+substance<sup>10</sup> indicated by the blank.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 22em;">"Not a &mdash;&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">But shows some touch in freckle, streak, or stain,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 15em;">Of his unrivall'd pencil."&mdash;Cowper.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Xentrique</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<h3>No. 32&mdash;<span class="smcap">Beheading</span>.</h3>
+
+<p>1. Behead a fruit, and leave a fruit; behead once more, and leave our
+ancestors; behead again, and leave a part of our ancestors.</p>
+
+<p>2. Behead a tree, and leave past; behead again, and leave to depart.</p>
+
+<p>3. Behead a fruit, and leave a vegetable; behead again, and leave to
+adorn.</p>
+
+<p>4. Behead a plant, and leave slack; behead again, and leave that
+wherewith the plant might have been cut.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>Answers to Kinks.</h3>
+
+<h3>No. 28.&mdash;<span class="smcap">A Musical Mélange</span>.</h3>
+
+<p>1. Beethoven. 2. Chopin. 3. Handel. 4. Bull (<i>Taurus</i>). 5. Rossini. 6.
+Thomas. 7. Albani. 8. Crotch. 9. Lasso. 10. Mason. 11. Potter. 12.
+Purcell. 13. Fiddle. 14. Spinet. 15. Flute. 16. Bugle. 17. Trumpet. 18.
+Bagpipes. 19. Kettle-drums. 20. Fife. 21. Horn. 22. Lyre. 23.
+Harpsichord.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<h3>No. 29.</h3>
+
+<p>1. Burns. 2. Scott. 3. Herbert. 4. Willis. 5. Spenser. 6. White. 7.
+Dryden. 8. Hemans. 9. Pope. 10. Goldsmith. 11. Cowper. 12. Southey.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>Not Good Form.</h3>
+
+<p>Care for what one says ought always to be exercised, without regard to
+whether or not it may be heard by those for whom it is not intended.
+Here is a story that emphasizes this lesson:</p>
+
+<p>An officer of the Law Division of the New York Custom-house walked into
+the Collector's office a few days ago, while the Collector was talking
+with a tall man, whose back was turned toward the door.</p>
+
+<p>"What is it?" asked the Collector. "Anything important?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh no," returned the officer. "Only another blunder in the long list of
+blunders committed by that Secretary of the Treasury of ours." The tall
+man laughed.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Blank," said the Collector, "let me introduce you to Mr. Carlisle,
+Secretary of the Treasury."</p>
+
+<p>The Secretary turned, still laughing, and shook the hand of the law
+officer, who, red in the face, stammered a half-heard apology&mdash;and got
+out as quickly as possible.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>A Good Amateur Newspaper.</h3>
+
+<p>The <i>Scribbler</i> has completed its first year, and it makes quite an
+unnecessary apology for its past shortcomings. This latter is really the
+poorest thing about its past&mdash;this apology. Many a public speaker, after
+giving a good address, mars it by apologizing for it. The <i>Scribbler</i>
+has done well, and of course will do better. Its address is: Easton,
+Pa., and its manager, Norman E. Hart. You should see a copy. It is neat
+and Interesting.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>Questions and Answers.</h3>
+
+<p>John C. Cone, 519 South Seventh Street, Hamilton, O., wants to receive
+sample copies of amateur newspapers. The Table has not published a
+description of the badge, dear Sir Sidney Mulhall, and has now none in
+stock. Evelyn T. Jones: Yes, the Table is glad to receive descriptions
+of places, industries, outings, etc., and asks correspondents to try to
+see how excellent they can make such morsels&mdash;correct grammar and
+spelling, avoidance of unnecessary words, and careful selection of
+descriptive adjectives. Letters from foreign places, if filled with
+information of general interest, are published when space permits. Good
+"Kinks" will be published, but new ideas are wanted, not merely new
+material in old forms.</p>
+
+<p>Arthur J. Johnston, Box 136, Dartmouth, N.&nbsp;S., says, "I am much
+interested in politics, and would like to correspond with members of the
+Table, especially those living in Canada, on that subject." Cyrus
+Williston, Vernon, N.&nbsp;Y., wants to hear from members of the Order, any
+subject, and Louis O. Brosie, 3405 Butler Street, Pittsburg. Pa., has
+some quite old numbers of <span class="smcap">Harper's Young People</span> which he does not want.
+He mentions the fact upon seeing inquiries in this column for these old
+copies, no longer in the publishers' stock. Aaron Spong asks where he
+can find a collection of college songs. There are several to be had. Ask
+for <i>Carmina Princetonia</i>; <i>Columbia College Song-Book</i>; <i>Harvard
+College Song-Book</i>. Go to your bookseller or to a music-store. Any
+dealer can get collections for you upon order, but Chicago dealers will
+have them in stock without doubt.</p>
+
+<p>Henry F. French asks for information concerning the earliest national
+books. The Pentateuch is the oldest of books. In Greece the most ancient
+writings are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, date about 900 <span class="smcap">b.c</span>. In Latin,
+Plautus wrote his comedies 200 <span class="smcap">b.c</span>. The first British author was Gildas,
+500 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>., who wrote a <i>Conquest of Britain</i>. At the same date Venan
+Fortunatus, in France, wrote the first work of that country&mdash;a book of
+Latin poetry. The Koran is the earliest work of any Arabian, Persian, or
+Turk. It was written <span class="smcap">a.d</span>. 600. The first of Germany's literature was
+Walafred Strabo's book of poems and theology, 841 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>. In Russia,
+Yaroslaff in the year 1000 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>., compiled a code of laws, while Monez
+(1100 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>.) is the first Portuguese author. The other countries are
+represented as follows: Italy, Accursius, writer of jurisprudence,
+1182-1260 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>.; Sweden, Eric Olai, author of <i>A History of the Goths and
+Swedes</i>, 1400 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>.; Poland, Vinc Kadlubek, writer of a history of
+Poland, 1226 <span class="smcap">a.d</span>. Arvine names Benjamin Thompson our "pioneer in
+letters." He was called "ye renowned poet of New England, learned
+schoolmaster and physician."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1131" id="Page_1131">[Pg 1131]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;"><a name="STAMPS" id="STAMPS"></a>
+<img src="images/ill_029.jpg" width="400" height="135" alt="STAMPS" />
+</div>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p>This department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin
+collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any question
+on these subjects so far as possible. Correspondents should address
+Editor Stamp Department.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>Specialization has led to the cataloguing of innumerable minute
+varieties in perforations, water-marks, papers, shades, and impressions
+from more or less worn or retouched plates, to say nothing of "freaks."
+The result has been the immense catalogues with which we are all so
+familiar, and albums containing a multitude of spaces for stamps which
+not one collector in a thousand can ever expect to fill. This has led to
+a reaction, and the average collector will hereafter not be puzzled by
+minute varieties of no interest to any one except the small group of
+rich men in each country to whom they are due. These advanced collectors
+do not use printed albums, and special catalogues can easily be made for
+them. All the large dealers hereafter will make albums and catalogues
+which the average collector will have a chance of filling up at
+reasonable rates.</p>
+
+<p>Unique or very rare stamps in such albums will probably be represented
+by photographs of the costly originals.</p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">W. MacFarlane</span>.&mdash;The 2c. U.S. Revenues are extremely common, hence
+have no value.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">S. Manning</span>.&mdash;The old U.S. Special Delivery stamps are worth 15c.
+each, used. The yellow one will probably prove to be the scarcest.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;M. Crossman</span>.&mdash;The 1892 Columbian half-dollar can be bought for
+75c. The 1893 one is in common use. The Columbian quarter is worth
+$1.75.</p>
+
+<p>H.&nbsp;H.&nbsp;C.&mdash;The ordinary U.S. quarter for 1853 with rays on the
+reverse can be bought for 35c. The rare variety of the same date
+for $3.50.</p>
+
+<p>F.&nbsp;M., <span class="smcap">Jun</span>.&mdash;The 50c. Mortgage U.S. Revenue is worth 5c.; the 50c.
+Entry of Goods and Conveyance, 1c. each: the $1 Inland Exchange,
+1c. These prices are for perforated stamps; if unperforated they
+are worth $1 each upward.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Will Kelsey</span>.&mdash;All sheets of the current issue have one outside row
+of stamps unperforated on one side, and all the 1c., 2c., etc.,
+have two rows of stamps unperforated on one side. Such partly
+perforated stamps have no special value. The 1875 reprint of the
+1869 3c. stamp is worth $15 unused. This reprint can be known by
+the snow-white paper on which it is printed. Many of the 1869
+stamps show no signs of grilling, owing to a very light pressure of
+the grills. Such stamps have no greater value than the grilled
+ones.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Nyack</span>.&mdash;I do not know what the stamped paper made for use in the
+American colonies is worth. I know of one copy which was bought by
+the holder for $50. There were no adhesive stamps made for the 1765
+stamp act.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">T.&nbsp;A. Wessman</span>.&mdash;It is impossible to pass any opinion on rare
+Chinese coins without seeing a rubbing. They are considered as
+simple curios here, and can be bought very cheap if the dealer has
+any.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A.&nbsp;F. Berlin</span>.&mdash;Apply to any of the larger dealers for price.</p>
+
+<p>A.&nbsp;B.&nbsp;C.&mdash;My remarks applied to Spanish stamps only. The West
+Australian cancelled stamps with punched holes were those issued by
+the colonial authorities to the imperial (<i>i.e.</i>, Great Britain)
+authorities for official use. Most of these imperial officials were
+in charge of the convict camps in West Australia, and doubtless
+some of the stamps were given by them to prisoners in their charge,
+as it seems fairly well established that some letters from
+prisoners were pre-paid by punched stamps.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">C.&nbsp;S. Smith</span>.&mdash;Dealers offer U.S. dollars of 1800 for $2;
+half-dollar 1811, 1812, 1818, seventy-five cents each.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">C. Rawson</span>, 3421 North Nineteenth Street, Philadelphia, Pa., wishes
+to exchange stamps.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">H.&nbsp;D. Graham</span>.&mdash;"Local" stamps are those used by postmasters and by
+private firms who carried letters in competition with the U.S.
+mails. They have all been suppressed by the U.S. government. The
+<i>early</i> Boyd's Express, Blood &amp; Co.'s, Honour City Post, etc., are
+very scarce. Hussey's Post and the later Boyd's Express are very
+common. Many have been reprinted, and others have been
+counterfeited.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">N.&nbsp;P. Coppedge</span>.&mdash;The English penny is quite a common coin. It has
+no value in this country, and in England can be bought for
+threepence.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 34em;"><span class="smcap">Philatus</span>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/ill_030.jpg" width="600" height="294" alt="IVORY SOAP" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">"Health is the vital principle of bliss, and exercise, of health."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No health&mdash;there is no hope of bliss,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">No exercise&mdash;and health soon flies,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 19em;">No bath with Ivory Soap&mdash;you miss</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 20em;">The best results of exercise.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Copyright, 1896, by The Procter &amp; Gamble Co., Cin'ti.</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/ill_031.jpg" width="150" height="91" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3>GOLD RINGS FREE!</h3>
+
+<p>We will give one half-round Ring, <b>18k Rolled Gold</b> plate &amp; <b>warranted</b> to
+anyone who will sell 1 doz. Indestructible Lamp Wicks (need no trimming)
+among friends at 10cts. each. Write us and we will mail you the <b>Wicks</b>.
+You sell them and send us the money and we will mail you the Ring.</p>
+
+<h4>STAR CHEMICAL CO., Box 435, Centerbrook, Conn.</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>A TRIP ABROAD,</h2>
+
+<p>a Piano, Phonograph Bicycle, Solid Gold Watch, and many other unheard-of
+opportunities, free for the asking, to every young person. Get all
+information by sending your address (no stamp required) to</p>
+
+<h4>CHASE &amp; CO., No. 1 Madison Ave., New York City.</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 123px;">
+<img src="images/ill_032.jpg" width="123" height="150" alt="" />
+</div>
+
+<h3>EARN A GOLD WATCH!</h3>
+
+<p>We wish to introduce our <b>Teas and Baking Powder</b>. Sell 50 lbs. to earn a
+<b>Waltham Gold Watch and Chain</b>; 25 lbs. for a <b>Silver Watch and Chain</b>; 10
+lbs. for a <b>Gold Ring</b>; 50 lbs. for a <b>Decorated Dinner Set</b>; 75 lbs. for a
+<b>Bicycle</b>. Write for a Catalog and Order Blank to Dept. I</p>
+
+<h4>W.&nbsp;G. BAKER,</h4>
+
+<h4>Springfield, Mass.</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_033.jpg" width="400" height="60" alt="THOMPSON'S EYE WATER" />
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+<h2>HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE SERIES</h2>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Illustrated. Post 8vo, Cloth. $1.25 per volume.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p><b>The Mystery of Abel Forefinger.</b> By <span class="smcap">William Drysdale</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Raftmates.&mdash;Canoemates.&mdash;Campmates.&mdash;Dorymates.</b>&mdash;By <span class="smcap">Kirk Munroe</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Young Lucretia</b>, and Other Stories. By <span class="smcap">Mary E. Wilkins</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Mate of the "Mary Ann."&mdash;Flying Hill Farm.</b> By <span class="smcap">Sophie Swett</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>A Boy's Town.</b> By <span class="smcap">W.&nbsp;D. Howells</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Midnight Warning</b>, etc. By <span class="smcap">Edward H. House</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>The Moon Prince</b>, and Other Nabobs. By <span class="smcap">Richard Kendall Munkittrick</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Diego Pinzon.</b> By <span class="smcap">John Russell Coryell</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Phil and the Baby, and False Witness.</b> Two Stories. By <span class="smcap">Lucy C.
+Lillie</span>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Illustrated. Square 16mo, Cloth, $1.00 per volume.</i></p>
+
+<blockquote>
+
+<p><b>Lucy C. Lillie.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Household of Glen Holly</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Colonel's
+Money</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Mildred's Bargain</span>, etc.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Nan</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Rolf House</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Jo's
+Opportunity</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Story of Music and Musicians</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>James Otis.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Silent Pete</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Toby Tyler</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Tim and Tip</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Mr. Stubbs's
+Brother</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Left Behind</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Raising the "Pearl</span>."</p>
+
+<p><b>David Ker.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Lost City</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Into Unknown Seas</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>William Black.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Four Macnicols</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Kirk Munroe.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Chrystal, Jack &amp; Co</span>., and <span class="smcap">Delta Bixby</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Derrick
+Sterling</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Wakulla</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Flamingo Feather</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>John Habberton.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Who was Paul Grayson</span>?</p>
+
+<p><b>Ernest Ingersoll.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Ice Queen</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>W.&nbsp;O. Stoddard.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Talking Leaves</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">Two Arrows</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Red Mustang</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Mrs. W.&nbsp;J. Hays.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Prince Lazybones</span>, etc.</p>
+
+<p><b>G.&nbsp;C. Eggleston.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Strange Stories from History</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>George B. Perry.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Uncle Peter's Trust</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>Sophie Swett.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">Captain Polly</span>.</p>
+
+<p><b>W.&nbsp;L. Alden.</b>&mdash;<span class="smcap">A New Robinson Crusoe</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Adventures of Jimmy
+Brown</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Cruise of the Canoe Club</span>.&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Cruise of the
+"Ghost</span>."&mdash;<span class="smcap">The Moral Pirates</span>.</p></blockquote>
+
+<hr class="tb" />
+
+<h4>HARPER &amp; BROTHERS, Publishers, New York</h4>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1132" id="Page_1132">[Pg 1132]</a></span></p>
+
+<h2>LOST HIS BEARINGS.</h2>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_034.jpg" width="400" height="367" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">"<span class="smcap">Begins to work kind of hard. Guess I'll stop and look
+into her</span>."</span>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_035.jpg" width="400" height="373" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">"<span class="smcap">I'll fix that in just a minute</span>."</span>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_036.jpg" width="400" height="367" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">OSTRICH (<i>sotto voce.</i>). "<span class="smcap">So will I</span>."</span>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/ill_037.jpg" width="400" height="370" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">"<span class="smcap">Great scott! Where have those bearings gone to</span>?"</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>A MATTER OF LETTERS.</h3>
+
+<p>"I'm afraid you're a tease," said the old farmer to Aleck.</p>
+
+<p>"I may be a tease," said Aleck, "but I'm not one of the jays."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>FULLY OCCUPIED.</h3>
+
+<p>"Well, Charlie," said his aunt, as she met him on his return from the
+summer hotel, "what did you do with yourself all summer?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I was losin' my hat about half the time," said Charlie.</p>
+
+<p>"Indeed! And what did you do the other half?"</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I spent that lookin' for my hat."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p>It is a hard matter to get the better of, or at least to convince, an
+Irishman in an argument that you are right. Not long ago, in one of the
+cabins of a coast-line steamer, the conversation turned round to
+astronomy. A gentleman observed that the sun made a revolution around
+the earth, and what more wonderful thing than that could be found in
+astronomy? This somewhat amused the other passengers, but their laughter
+developed into great hilarity when an Irishman near by, exclaimed:</p>
+
+<p>"That's not so! The sun, I am certain, does not revolute the earth!"</p>
+
+<p>"But," said the gentleman, "where does it come from when it rises in the
+east, and where does it go when it sets in the west? It has no other
+thing to do but to pass under the earth and come up again."</p>
+
+<p>"Arrah, now, that's plain enough. Shure yer shouldn't be puzzled at
+that. If the sun goes from the east to the west, it returns the same
+way, and the only reason yer don't see it is because it comes back at
+night-toime."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<h3>A SLIGHT DIFFERENCE.</h3>
+
+<p>"Jimmie, you wasted your breath talking to old Mr. Wilbur this morning.
+He's as deaf as a post."</p>
+
+<p>"I know that," said Jimmie, with a smile, "but posts don't have ten-cent
+pieces in their pockets to give little boys, and Mr. Wilbur does."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<p>"Is this a sleeping-car, papa?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, Johnny."</p>
+
+<p>"Does it travel all night?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes."</p>
+
+<p>"Humph! Must do all its sleeping in the day-time."</p>
+
+<hr class="chap" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/ill_038.jpg" width="600" height="377" alt="" />
+<span class="caption">GETTING A FEW POINTS IN NATURAL HISTORY.</span>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Harper's Round Table, September 15,
+1896, by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HARPER'S ROUND TABLE, SEPT 15, 1896 ***
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